Interpreting for the Department of Children and Families

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state agency that has the job of looking out for children and protecting them from abuse and neglect.  When a case is opened, DCF connects families with services in the community and works with them to make sure children can grow and thrive in a safe, stable home.  Interpreters are often called upon to assist Case Managers, DCF Social workers, therapists and other various program interventionists, to work with families that have limited English proficiency.  In this module, interpreters will be introduced to the DCF process of intervention.  Interpreters will become familiar with terminology related to DCF functions and we will also look at the challenges of interpreting sensitive subject matter, the challenges of interpreting for children, and tips for how to overcome those difficulties.