Family FAQ June 2004

June 2004

Does the philosophy of cultural competence apply only to those receiving services in systems of care, or does it also apply to those who are employed? Some people in my community feel very strongly that any employee should be able to put their own feelings, culture, etc. aside in order to deal with the client. I don’t see you putting your own culture “aside” to do SOC work. I feel a little confused about that. Could you address this issue, please?

This is an excellent question. The short answer is that cultural competency applies to everyone. The staff should be diverse and representative of the population served ideally both in the service sites and in the family organizations. Cultural competency does not imply that one denies one’s own cultural experience. Cultural competency suggests that one is capable and competent to communicate in a respectful manner with other cultures and to have a depth of knowledge and understanding to be able to deliver services in ways that help and not harm.

Cultural competence is not limited to people of color nor is it merely race, gender or ethnicity based. It includes people of European origins, individual families, communities, and regions. It may seem complicated, but the bottom line is about respectful and inclusive relationships. Cultural competency is not some magic place you arrive, rather, it is a way of acting and operating that allows one to be on a path of learning and adapting that learning into practice. I hope this helps.

*Thanks to Shannon CrossBear for addressing this month’s FAQ.

Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health

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	June 2004 Does the philosophy of cultural competence apply only to those receiving services in systems of care, or does it also apply to those who are employed? Some people in my community feel very strongly that any employee should be able to put their own feelings, culture, etc. aside in order to deal with the client. I don’t see you putting your own culture “aside” to do SOC work. I feel a little confused about that. Could you address this issue, please? This is an excellent question. The short answer is that cultural competency applies to everyone. The staff should be diverse and representative of the population served ideally both in the service sites and in the family organizations. Cultural competency does not imply that one denies one’s own cultural experience. Cultural competency suggests that one is capable and competent to communicate in a respectful manner with other cultures and to have a depth of knowledge and understanding to be able to deliver services in ways that help and not harm. Cultural competence is not limited to people of color nor is it merely race, gender or ethnicity based. It includes people of European origins, individual families, communities, and regions. It may seem complicated, but the bottom line is about respectful and inclusive relationships. Cultural competency is not some magic place you arrive, rather, it is a way of acting and operating that allows one to be on a path of learning and adapting that learning into practice. I hope this helps. *Thanks to Shannon CrossBear for addressing this month’s FAQ.