Enhancing Language Access for the Nashville Family Safety Center (FSC)

The FY 19 Enhancing Language and Other Access to Services Program seeks to enhance language access services for crime victims to break down barriers that prevent many individuals from reporting crimes and accessing the services they need after crime victimization. Funding will support the provision of direct services, the development of language access plans, and will expand the capacity of community-based organizations to address the needs of victims of crime who are blind, visually impaired, limited English proficient (LEP), Deaf or hard-of hearing.

With this funding, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville-Davidson County Office of Family Services will increase access to supportive services for elderly and LEP crime victims and increase the agency’s ability to provide direct advocacy services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, and elder abuse. During the two-year project period, the agency will hire an Accessibility Coordinator to identify service barriers and create an Accessibility Plan for the Family Justice/Safety Center (FSC). The Accessibility Coordinator will also work as a Spanish-speaking Advocate, providing critical services and safety planning for victims of crime. The project will create an Accessibility Working Group, perform an Accessibility Study, create an Accessibility Plan, and provide training to staff.

CA/NCF