Why is it important to involve skilled interpreters rather than family members when assessing bilingual youth?

• A. To limit communication with parent.
• B. Interpreters are unnecessary.
• C. Family members provide better interpretation.
• D. To ensure accuracy and avoid bias in interpretation.

Answer: (D)

Accurate, unbiased communication is essential when assessing bilingual youth. Skilled interpreters bring professional training in clinical terminology, ethics, and confidentiality, and they translate questions and responses in a way that preserves meaning without inserting personal judgments or altering content. This helps clinicians form valid impressions and avoid misinterpretations that could lead to incorrect conclusions about a youth’s abilities or concerns.

Family members, while well-intentioned, can introduce bias or filter information based on their own beliefs, cultural assumptions, or relationship dynamics. They may lack training in mental health or educational assessment language, and sensitive topics may be withheld or softened in the presence of relatives, which compromises the data the clinician relies on. Using trained interpreters helps minimize these biases and supports a more reliable, culturally respectful assessment.