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Grant will help provide language translation services at the Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center

The Louisville Bar Foundation awarded a $8,500 grant on June 6, to Family & Children’s Place to support ongoing language translation services to children and families helped by the agency’s Kosair Charities Child Advocacy Center (KCCAC).

As the world becomes more diverse, we see more and more children and families who have immigrated to the United States and Louisville area,” said Pam Darnall, president and CEO of Family & Children’s Place. “In just five years, we’ve seen an almost 500 percent increase in the cost of providing language translation services, so this grant will help ensure the best possible care to non-English speaking children and families.”

The KCCAC is the area’s only accredited center that provides comprehensive medical and mental health assessment and care, forensic interviewing, and coordinated intervention and investigation of child sexual abuse. Over the past five years, ten languages have been translated for nearly 1,000 clients, and agency officials forecast a 10 percent increase in translation services in the current year.

“Daily, clients who come to us that barely or don’t speak English face real challenges accessing necessary services, telling their stories and getting the help they need,” said Josh Swetnam, vice president of Programs for Family & Children’s Place. “This grant removes language hurdles and provides for equal and fair treatment and representation, accurate medical and mental health diagnoses, and highest level of care.”