Important Guidelines on Interpreting

Use of Children as Interpreters

• General Rule: Never use children as interpreters, regardless of the circumstances.

• Justification: It is inappropriate to place the burden of interpretation on a child.

• Scenario:

  • If a family arrives with only a child who speaks the necessary language, you still do not use the child.

• Alternatives:

  • Explore all other possible options for interpretation.
  • Do they have friends?

• Emphasis:

  • The rule against using children as interpreters applies universally, without exception.
  • If the only family member who understands the language is a child, that child should still not be used as an interpreter.