Official Site of The State of New Jersey

On January 12, 2024, P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.), was signed into law requiring that State government entities provide for the translation of “vital” documents and services in languages other than English. Administrative Order 11, Policy/Form Making Procedures, defines what a “vital document” is in accordance with P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.).  Additionally, DCF-II-1-1-400, Language Access Plan, establishes the policies and procedures for DCF’s Language Access Plan (LAP), which outlines how DCF will comply with the provisions of P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.), ensuring that all New Jersey residents have meaningful access to DCF’s services and benefits. “Vital” documents are documents/forms/materials that are public facing, relied upon by the public for information, and/or given to members of the public though an official interaction with the Department. This includes any forms, brochures, protocols, practice, business rules, etc. that are not currently in the official Department Policy Manual. If you identify a “vital document” that has not already been submitted to the Office of Policy and Regulatory Development (OPRD), please use the online Contact Us form on the Policy Manual Website, and click the “Translation Services” radio button and either provide a link to the form (if it is available online) or attach the form in the attachment space. 

Questions related to language access, translation and interpretation services can be made by emailing a new dedicated email: DCFtranslation@dcf.nj.gov.