| (a) Providers offering services to special
populations/language groups shall inform DMHDDSAS in writing and include
these services in facility monitoring activities.
(b) When a facility represents to the DMHDDSAS and
to the public that it provides assessment and treatment services to
DWI offenders of a certain language group, those services must be provided
in compliance with applicable rules by staff who not only are qualified
to provide the service, but are also fluent in the language of the target
group. When such services are available in the county, facilities not
able to provide them shall refer persons needing such services to facilities
prepared to serve them.
(c) When services described in Paragraph (b) of this
Rule are not available in the County:
(1) A facility may provide DWI assessments with the
help of a competent interpreter. The facility must first attempt to
locate a Certified Interpreter. If that is not possible, the facility
may use an individual whose competence as an interpreter is recognized
in the community and who can provide references from persons who are
in a position to know, such as a leader in the language/cultural group
represented. In no case shall a person of the offender's family or
immediate social group be used to interpret.
(2) It is not acceptable to conduct group and individual
treatments services via interpreter.
(3) When an offender presents for services and speaks
only a language in which no Substance Abuse Services are available
in the area, the facility must assist the offender in locating acceptable
services. If the services of a competent interpreter are available,
a Special Plan may be developed which will provide the offender basic
information to proceed in resolving the DWI offense. Such special
plans must be documented in detail.
(4) Clients who meet this criteria are clients whose
primary/native language is not English and who can not communicate
English fluently to complete an assessment or treatment.
History Note: Authority G.S.
20-17.6(c); 122C-142.1; 143B-147; Eff. April 1, 2001. |