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Civil Rights Special Topics

 Adoption and Foster Care agencies and entities that receive Federal financial assistance may not delay or deny foster care or adoption placements on the basis of race or ethnicity.  Two parents hold a childSpecial education child works on laptop  Community Living and Olmstead - Serving people with disabilities in the most integrated setting is an important element of the Americans with Disabilities Act, as determined by the Supreme Court in the Olmstead decision.

Doctor talking to patient Effective Communication in Hospitals is designed to give hospitals the tools, information, and other technical assistance they need to meet communication challenges, consistent with OCR’s mission to ensure that all persons have access to health care without facing unlawful discrimination.  Emergency Preparedness and Response is an issue of national concern.  OCR is working closely with other HHS and Federal agencies to ensure that civil rights issues are addressed in all emergency preparedness activities. Paramedics wheel a patient from an ambulance

Health Disparities are differences in rates of disease and differences in health outcomes that negatively affect certain racial or ethnic groups.  OCR’s efforts to address discrimination in access to quality healthcare and treatment are part of an HHS-wide effort to reduce such health disparities.A diverse group of parents and childrenHIV/AIDS OCR enforces Federal civil rights laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination by health care and human service providers against people living with HIV/AIDS. 

Limited English Proficiency may affect access to healthcare or social services for certain individuals or groups.  OCR has issued guidance to clarify the responsibility of providers of health and social services who receive Federal financial assistance from HHS in serving Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons.  A mother and child A diverse group of peopleNational Origin Discrimination is prohibited under Federal civil rights laws. Information and assistance is available to recipients of Federal financial assistance from HHS about how to comply with these laws.

Environmental Justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.Children and teacherTemporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families.  The assistance is time-limited and promotes work, responsibility and self-sufficiency.  OCR enforces Federal civil rights laws that prohibit unlawful discrimination against TANF applicants and beneficiaries.