Language equity focuses on elevating and supporting fair and just treatment for individuals and families, regardless of their preferred language. This principle emphasizes equal access to services, information, and opportunities for individuals who speak different languages and recognizes linguistic diversity and cultural nuances in family assessment work. This is especially important in family assessment and adoption work. It plays a crucial role in promoting effective communication, eliminating barriers, and upholding the rights of all involved parties.  

With approximately one-fifth of school-age children speaking a language other than English at home, effective communication is critical in human services, where miscommunication may lead to barriers to accessing needed programs and hinder permanency outcomes. Due to language barriers, families with limited English proficiency may struggle to understand legal processes, home study requirements, and their rights. 

Any organization, program, or activity receiving federal funding is required by title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to take reasonable steps to promote meaningful access for eligible individuals with limited English proficiency. States may also have their own language access requirements. Whether required by law or not, agencies should take the following steps to support individuals with limited English proficiency: 

• Provide access to professional interpreters during interviews, court hearings, and meetings, as needed, to help establish effective and clear communication. 

• Translate essential documents, such as consent forms, assessment requirements, and other materials, into relevant languages. 

Inclusive communication is more than meeting legal requirements; it's an essential part of creating an environment where authentic partnerships can happen. To increase language equity and justice, agencies should provide their staff with access to training on cultural responsiveness and language awareness. This can help adoption professionals recognize and respect cultural differences in communication styles (e.g., implicitly saying things instead of explicitly, differences in eye contact norms) and be sensitive to diverse family backgrounds. 

Adoption professionals should also make intentional space for families to self-identify which language they prefer. Facilitating clear and inclusive communication helps families actively participate in the assessment process and be well-informed and involved. Strategies for creating an environment that supports language equity and justice can include employing plain language during interviews and assessments and avoiding jargon that could confuse people who didn’t grow up speaking English. 

Collaborating with community organizations and interpreters, translating essential documents, and advocating for language access services within the child welfare system are all critical steps in the journey toward language equity. Strategies to incorporate language equity and justice into your everyday practice require different amounts of resources, such as time or financial costs. It is important to note that while online translators may provide a low-cost option, they can be inaccurate and not take into account a language's nuance. Adoption agencies can leverage federal funding to support their language efforts or receive technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Explore and connect with different organizations in your area, such as advocacy organizations, and other professionals in your community who can join you in supporting language equity and justice. 

The impact of language equity and justice on children and families is profound. It can help reduce the anxiety and confusion that can stem from working outside of your preferred language and allow families to actively participate in decision-making processes. By recognizing and respecting language and cultural nuances, we can foster trust and respect between families and adoption professionals. Prioritizing language equity can help families whose preferred language is not English navigate adoption confidently, contributing to a just and accessible system where all families can understand and engage with the adoption process.