Increases in diversity in communities across the nation require child welfare agencies to identify and deliver culturally relevant services and resources. By being more culturally responsive, agencies embrace the principles of equal access and nondiscriminatory practices and can better meet the needs of the families they serve. Through this, agencies can enact changes that can reduce disparity and disproportionality in their services and family outcomes.
CCBHCs and Cultural Competence
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2020)
Provides information and resources to help certified community behavioral health clinics better respond to and respect the cultural, linguistic, and other social and environmental needs families.
The Child and Family Practice Model Program Manual
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2016)
Includes three manuals detailing the implementation of the Child and Family Practice Model. These manuals can help agencies develop interventions that serve the complex needs of diverse communities of children and families.
Cultural Competency in Child Welfare Practice: A Bridge Worth Building
Bridging Refugee Youth and Children’s Services
Provides tools to address diversity and cultural competence, including practice considerations for refugee and immigrant populations.
Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Practice (PDF - 9,902 KB)
LaLiberte, Crudo, & Skallet (2015)
CW360, Winter
Focuses on culturally responsive practice with American Indian, African-American, and other families.
Cultural Responsiveness
FRIENDS National Center for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention Abuse
Discusses the importance and elements of cultural responsiveness when working with children and families.
Developing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Serving Diverse Populations: A Resource Guide for Community-Based Organizations (PDF - 5,530 KB)
López, Hofer, Bumgarner, & Taylor (2017)
National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families
Provides ways to help community-based organizations recognize and serve the needs of diverse populations.
Enhancing Cultural Competence in Social Service Agencies: A Promising Approach to Serving Diverse Children and Families
Calzada & Suarez-Balcazar (2014)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Planning, Search and Evaluation
Describes cultural competence and provides organizations with concrete strategies for ongoing self-reflection and development for strengthening cultural competence in social services.
Moving Toward Cultural Competence Key Considerations to Explore (PDF - 227 KB)
National Resource Center for Diligent Recruitment (2014)
Provides a basic framework to increase competence in working cross-culturally. It presents questions and considerations to help readers think about ways to increase their understanding and ability to work effectively and respectively with other cultures.