Who should you contact if translation resources for the VI-SPDAT are not available within your agency?

• A. HMIS Team for translation resources.
• B. Client's family member.
• C. External consultant.
• D. No action needed.

Answer: (A)

When translation resources for the VI-SPDAT aren’t available within your agency, the HMIS Team is the right point of contact because they coordinate language services across programs, ensure translations follow standardized wording, and protect client privacy and data integrity. They know approved interpreters or vendors, handle procurement through the proper channels, and can document the process to keep data consistent and compliant. Relying on a family member isn’t appropriate due to privacy and accuracy concerns, and engaging an external consultant should go through the HMIS Team and agency procedures rather than happening informally. No action isn’t an option because accurate translation is needed to collect valid information and maintain data quality.