Telephone Interpreting
Telephone Interpreting
When a qualified interpreter is not available, telephone interpreting is an excellent resource. OSCA has contracted with three telephone interpreting services to provide over-the-phone interpretation for the courts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
When a qualified interpreter is not available, telephone interpreting is an excellent resource. OSCA has contracted with three telephone interpreting services to provide over-the-phone interpretation for the courts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Per minute rates are very reasonable, see below. There are no monthly minimum fees. The invoice is sent directly to your court each month for payment in full.
Vendor Spanish Rate Rate for Languages Other than Spanish
Global Interpreting Network, Inc. $.55/minute $.65/minute
Language Line Services $1.05/minute $1.05/minute
Language Link $.57/minute $.57/minute
How does it work?
It is as easy as making a phone call. You'll need the unique client ID number issued by the vendor when you established your account, a telephone line and a speakerphone. To initiate an interpreter session, simply dial the toll-free number when you need the service, provide some basic account and call details, and request the language needed. No pre-scheduling is needed unless the language is of lesser diffusion. You will be connected with an appropriate interpreter while you hold, typically within a matter of seconds. You may then resume your conversation with the limited English proficient person while the interpreter interprets the conversation. Telephone interpretation services are conducted in the consecutive mode, meaning the interpreter interprets everything they hear (English into the foreign language and the foreign language into English) after each speaker pauses. Remember to pause to allow the interpreter to interpret and ensure only one person is speaking at a time.
What can I use it for?
Telephone interpreter services can be used for all case types, as well as assistance at the customer support window. Telephone interpretation is best suited for customer service interactions or short proceedings lasting 20 minutes or less.
What can I use it for?
Telephone interpreter services can be used for all case types, as well as assistance at the customer support window. Telephone interpretation is best suited for customer service interactions or short proceedings lasting 20 minutes or less.
How does my court sign up?
Each of the three vendors has provided a form for court staff to complete and return to establish an account with their respective agency. The vendor forms are found below:
Courts may decide if they wish to establish only one account or an account with all three vendors. Simply complete the account setup form and submit it to the vendor as indicated on the form.
Note: Courts that have an existing account with Language Line that was established before September 15, 2024, will need to contact the account representative to transition their account to the new contract terms, including the lower per-minute rate. The account representative's contact information is on the Language Line Services form linked above.
Who is responsible for payment?
Each court is responsible for paying their bill each month. However, OSCA has statutory authority to reimburse the court/county/municipality for foreign language interpreting services provided during criminal proceedings. This includes juvenile delinquency proceedings because of the possibility of the juvenile’s incarceration. OSCA also currently has grant funding to reimburse for foreign language interpretation services in connection with child abuse/neglect proceedings that occur before a judge. Courts will need to keep a monthly log of the cases eligible for OSCA reimbursement to the county/municipality using the Certificate of Compliance form. OSCA is not authorized to pay for foreign language interpreter services used for non-criminal hearings. The local court is responsible for those fees.
What is the process for reimbursement for eligible services?
Upon receipt of your monthly bill, you will complete a Certificate of Compliance form for all authorized calls (currently that includes criminal, juvenile delinquency and child abuse/neglect proceedings). Submit your Certificate of Compliance and a copy of your monthly invoice to OSCA's Access to Justice Program via email at access2justice@courts.mo.gov. Your request will be processed and reimbursement for eligible calls will be paid to your county or municipality.