# Massachusetts OCA Recommends Language Access Standards

The Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) has released a policy brief highlighting significant barriers to language access in state services for children and families who speak languages other than English, especially in services delivered through contracted providers. The OCA recommends that procurement processes incorporate consistent language access standards, centralize translation resources, invest in multilingual staff training and compensation, and establish a dedicated Language Access Division to improve equitable service delivery across state agencies.

- Procurement professionals should anticipate new or revised contract requirements mandating language access standards and multilingual capabilities for service providers.
- Agencies may need to centralize and coordinate translation and interpretation services, potentially creating new procurement opportunities for language service vendors.
- Contractors should consider enhancing multilingual staff training and compensation structures to meet emerging state expectations.
- Establishing a Language Access Division suggests increased oversight and specialized procurement related to language services within Massachusetts state government.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of the Child Advocate (OCA)
- Executive Office for Administration and Finance
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts

### Key Quotes
> Language should not be an additional barrier to services that children and families need and deserve.
> — Marisol García, Massachusetts Child Advocate

### Sources
- [Office of the Child Advocate Finds Barriers to State Services for Children and Families Who Speak Languages Other Than English | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/office-of-the-child-advocate-finds-barriers-to-state-services-for-children-and-families-who-speak-languages-other-than-english) - MA