CILA has produced a new creative pro bono model, “Working with Interpreters in Unaccompanied Children’s Immigration Pro Bono Cases,” intended for pro bono coordinators, about working with translators and interpreters in children’s immigration cases. This resource gives ideas for pro bono coordinators on different ways to meet translation and/or interpretation needs within a child’s immigration case—showing the different models for translation and interpretation that a pro bono coordinator can consider implementing into their organization’s pro bono program.
In working on this creative pro bono model, CILA spoke with individuals at two immigration legal service providers, South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project (ProBAR) and Human Rights Initiative (HRI), to learn more about how these organizations engage with volunteers to bridge any translation and interpretation gaps in their clients’ cases. CILA also spoke with Ayuda—another legal service provider—to learn about Ayuda’s Language Access Program and how this program works with pro bono attorneys in immigration cases.
In addition to showing the different models for translation and interpretation, accompanying this creative model is a handout, giving practical and ethical tips for pro bono attorneys working with an interpreter and/or translator on children’s cases. We hope that pro bono coordinators circulate this handout to attorneys within their pro bono program as they work with translators and interpreters.
The creative model is available on CILA’s Creative Pro Bono Models webpage, along with CILA’s other creative pro bono models. CILA’s creative pro bono models are for pro bono engagement and showcase expert tips, ideas, and resources to enhance pro bono programs. The handout is located in two places: attached at the end of the creative model and on its own, separately, under “More Resources” on CILA’s Pro Bono Matters webpage.