Cultural competence is the process in which individuals and organizations respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, disabilities, religions, genders, sexual orientation, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of children, families, and communities. Being culturally competent requires having the ability to understand cultural differences, recognize potential biases, and look beyond differences to work productively with children, families, and communities whose cultural context is different from one’s own.
Cultural Competence
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Population Affairs
Evaluates key practices and principles for organizational and operational procedures to ensure all cultures and voices are heard and reflected.
Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Practice
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
Lists resources in various categories that support child welfare staff and leaders as they confront implicit bias, implement system changes, and work to achieve racial equity within their organizations and across systems.
CW 360°: Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Practice (PDF - 9,902 KB)
University of Minnesota, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare
Examines how culture can be used to make a difference while working with children and families. Through community developed culturally responsive practice, disparity and disproportionality in child welfare will improve.
Developing Culturally Responsive Approaches to Serving Diverse Populations: A Resource Guide for Community-Based Organizations (PDF - 5,663 KB)
López, Hofer, Bumgarner, & Taylor (2017)
National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families
Provides ways to help community-based organizations recognize the needs of and increase responsiveness to the culturally and linguistically diverse populations they serve.
The Importance of Cultural Competence
CASA for Children (2018)
Discusses how cultural competence can allow child welfare professionals to be more effective with the various and diverse parties cases. CASA uses awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills to bridge the cultural gap.
Moving Toward Cultural Competence: Key Considerations to Explore (PDF - 98 KB)
AdoptUs Kids (2014)
Provides a basic framework to use to increase competence in working cross-culturally. Questions and considerations are aimed at helping think about ways to increase understanding and ability to work effectively and respectively with other cultures.
Race Matters Collection
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Provides resources designed to help advocates mobilize resources for vulnerable populations of color in order to reduce racial disparities/disproportionality and promote racial equity.