Language access services | Philadelphia Department of Prisons

City of Philadelphia

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Language access services ensure fair and equitable access to PDP communications, programs, services, and processes.

The Philadelphia Department of Prisons (PDP) is committed equity, accessibility, and effective communication for all individuals in our custody. Language interpretation and translation ensure that incarcerated individuals understand facility rules, services, and their rights and responsibilities while in custody, regardless of the language they speak.

We provide comprehensive language access resources and staff at all facilities to support:

Individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP).
Members of the immigrant population.
Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Available services

Interpretation

Providing timely access to qualified interpreters improves communication, reduces misunderstandings, and promotes safety. PDP facilities use telephone-based interpretation services provided by GLOBO Language Solutions. Incarcerated individuals and their visitors can use these services during critical interactions, including:

Intake and classification.
Medical and mental health appointments.
Disciplinary hearings.
Case management meetings.
Reentry planning.
Routine communication between staff and incarcerated individuals.

Translation

PDP’s Office of Community Justice & Outreach coordinates translation requests for all facilities. Incarcerated individuals and their visitors can request translated copies of essential documents. That includes, but isn’t limited to:

Inmate handbooks.
Grievance procedures.
Forms.
Other essential documents.

More +

Request language access services

The Office of Community Justice & Outreach (CJO) serves as PDP’s Language Access Coordinator. The office coordinates requests for language access services and ensures that language resources are always available at PDP facilities.

To make a request for language access services, email CJO@prisons.phila.gov.

Translate

Available services

Interpretation

Translation

Request language access services