Examples of Civil Rights Complaint Resolutions:

Hawaii Department of Human Services (HDHS) (Resolved on August 12, 2008). This Resolution Agreement (“Resolution Agreement”) was entered into by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) and Hawaii’s Department of Human Services (“HDHS”), which administers a $1.7 billion annual budget to coordinate and provide specific benefits and services throughout the state, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, child and adult protective services, medical waiver services, and other home and community based services. Through four divisions with 88 local offices located on five islands, HDHS employs over 2,300 permanent staff members who are covered by this agreement. This Agreement resolves OCR transaction number 08-82040, a compliance review which resulted from the investigation of a complaint, alleging that HDHS discriminated against persons who are limited English proficient (LEP). An advocacy group filed a complaint with OCR alleging that an individual who speaks Cantonese and is Limited English Proficient (LEP) was denied an interpreter at an HDHS office when attempting to apply for services. After an investigation, OCR initiated a compliance review to assess HDHS’ overall compliance with Title VI with regard to the provision of services to LEP persons. 

To resolve the matter, HDHS signed a voluntary resolution agreement, acknowledging that LEP individuals need language assistance services to access and fully participate in programs and activities operated by HDHS. To resolve the matter, HDHS signed a voluntary resolution agreement, acknowledging that LEP individuals need language assistance services to access and fully participate in programs and activities operated by HDHS.HDHS agrees to ensure effective communication with LEP individuals by (1) conducting an annual assessment of frequently encountered languages and numbers of LEP individuals needing language assistance; (2) determining the language needs of each LEP client at the first point of contact; (3) notifying LEP individuals of the availability of free language assistance through prominently displayed postures, signs, application forms, and public informational material; (4) providing timely, competent language interpreters upon request; (5) translating vital program documents; (6) designating HDHS’ Civil Rights Compliance Office as the entity responsible for coordinating HDHS’ language assistance services and directing compliance with this Agreement; and (7) training HDHS staff on policies and procedures for communicating with and serving LEP persons. HDHS also agrees to submit semi-annual progress reports to OCR over the three years of the agreement to demonstrate compliance with the agreement.  Read the Hawaii Department of Human Services Resolution Agreement.  Read the Press Release