According to the Child Welfare League of America:
Cultural competence is the ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, tribes, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each.
- Cultural competence is a continuous process of learning about the cultural strengths of others and integrating their unique abilities and perspectives into our lives.
- Cultural competence is a vehicle used to broaden our knowledge and understanding of individuals and communities.
- Cultural competence or the lack of it will be reflected in how communities relate to and interact with service providers and their representatives.
- Cultural competence is having the knowledge, ability, and skill necessary to identify and address the issues facing organizations and staff that have cultural implications, and the ability to operationalize this knowledge into the routine functioning of an agency.
Cultural Competence and Family and Child Well-being
McPhatter & Woodroffe
Protecting Children, 20(1), 2005
View Abstract
Defines cultural competence and describes a model to attain it.
Cultural Competence, Strengths, and Outcomes
Walker (Ed.)
Focal Point, 17(1), 2003
Describes culturally competent practice with children, youth, and families.
Cultural Competency: What it Is and Why it Matters (PDF - 100 KB)
Olsen, Bhattacharya, & Scharf (2006)
Defines cultural competency and discusses ways programs and agencies can become more culturally responsive and respectful toward the diverse clients and communities they serve.
Framework for Culturally Competent Decisionmaking in Child Welfare
Cohen
Child Welfare, 82(2), 2003
View Abstract
Framework for understanding factors that affect decision-making when working with ethnically and racially diverse families in the child welfare system.
The Influence of Culture and Cultural Competence on Child and Family Well-Being
Wilmot (Ed.)
Protecting Children, 20(1), 2005
View Abstract
Issue about the role of culture and cultural competence in child welfare.
Introduction: Those Who Do Not Look Ahead, Stay Behind
Fontes
Child Maltreatment, 6(2), 2001
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Promotes greater cultural competency in child welfare work.
A Model of Culture-Centered Child Welfare Practice
Miller & Gaston
Child Welfare, 82(2), 2003
View Abstract
Framework for culture-centered child welfare practice.
Reflecting on Cultural Competence: A Need for Renewed Urgency (PDF - 245 KB)
Huang
Focal Point, 16(2), 2002
Reviews the need for increasing cultural competence in children's mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, and special education.
Strains and Challenges of Culturally Diverse Practice: A Review with Suggestions to Avoid Culturally Based Impasses
Webb (2001)
In Culturally Diverse Parent-Child and Family Relationships: A Guide for Social Workers and Other Practitioners
View Abstract
Discussion of cultural obstacles practitioners may face when meeting with clients from diverse backgrounds and methods for overcoming them.