• Teach interpreters the vocabulary of Children’s Protection Services as well as the overall system. Since the system has multiple layers, it is important that the overall understanding of each category is improved by taking this course.
• Help interpreters learn each role that is played by the multiple workers in the CPS system. Understanding what each worker does will allow the interpreter to further improve their vocabulary in interactions with parents as well as children.
• Inform interpreters of the requirements that may vary from state to state that allow interpreters to work in this field. It is important to know what each state does with their system in order to better understand what is needed of the interpreter.
• Allow interpreters to inquire from an individual who has prior experiences in the field of work. Learning from a fellow interpreter will help participants understand the workload and how to take care of themselves as well through this course.

1. Requirements for Interpreters (15 minutes)

Variations from state to state (this will enable interpreter to do self-learning about their own personal state requirements)

2. Duties of an Interpreter/Scope of Work (15 minutes)

What knowledge an interpreter needs to know when working in CPS (An expected workload, what the work is like, how it may affect a person)

3. Required knowledge of Interpreter (15 minutes)

Prior knowledge needed to be a CPS Interpreter (vocabulary and explanations of various fields in CPS)

4. Investigation Procedures (15 minutes)

How does a CPS case begin (what steps are taken to begin the processes)?

5. Court Proceedings (15 minutes)

Proceedings followed in court (steps that are taken in court, who is present in court, results from court proceedings)

6. Case Manager (15 minutes)

Breakdown of job (working relationship with the interpreter, what conversations will take place, etc.)

7. Chafee Worker (15 minutes)

Role played by worker in CPS proceedings (Finances, etc.)

8. Family Support Team (15 minutes)

Process of meetings (why these meetings happen, who they benefit, why they are needed.)

9. Parental Rights (15 minutes)

What the parents need to know when working with CPS (rights that they inherently have, how they work into proceedings, etc.)

10. Foster Care (15 minutes)

Overall summary of the foster care system (how it coincides with CPS workers and interpreters)

11. Adoption v. Guardianship (15 minutes)

Differences between the two proceedings (how the process begins, the processes involved in each, etc.)

12. Interpreter Personal Care (15 minutes)

What interpreters need to know for personal care (mental health, physical health, how to take care of themselves)

Ricardo Abdel Avilés-Avilés 

• BA in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership
• Owner & Director AvilesTranslations
• CPS Worker & Interpreter
• Actively working with Freedom’s Rest, Springfield Partners, CPS, and other agencies helping children and teenagers