Cultural Competency Reflection

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Application: Cultural Competency Questions

� Is it enough to “learn” about diverse groups? � Often information is provided but not applied � It sometimes requires more (personal &

professional) preparation initially

� Should culturally appropriate norms and strengths be incorporated into work with children and families? � How does such work impact individual and/or

organizational structure, training and goals

Prerequisites for Cultural Competence

� Self Awareness � Understanding of power dynamics

Knowledge of differences � Respect � Understanding of the interactions

among values, attitudes and knowledge

� Strengths based approach

Elements of Cultural Competence

� Value Diversity � System of Self-Assessment � Aware of dynamics involved when

diverse cultures interact � Institutionalize Cultural Knowledge

� Teach to all rather than depending on one person to know

� Adapt to diversity

Continuum of Cultural Competency

� Cultural Destructiveness - practices designed to destroy other cultures

� Cultural Incapacity - No intent to destroy but ability to respond is missing

� Cultural Blindness - believe approaches can be universally applied

Continuum of Cultural Competency

� Cultural Pre-Competence - realize limitations, hire people that match population and think it is enough

� Cultural Competence – See 5 elements

� Cultural Proficiency - looking to learn more & develop programs and interventions that meet client needs