The team strives to meet the unique needs of each young person and his or her family in or near their home. These services should also address and respect the culture and ethnicity of the people they serve. Designed to respect the uniqueness of cultural influences, these systems work best within a family's cultural framework. The family, however defined, is the consumer and usually the focus of treatment and services. As a result, they may have a unique set of mental health issues that must be recognized and addressed.
Families make choices based on their cultural backgrounds.
Service providers must respect and build upon their own cultural knowledge as well as the families' strengths. Cross-cultural relationships between providers and consumers may include major differences in world views. These differences must be acknowledged and addressed. Cultural knowledge and sensitivity must be incorporated into program policymaking, administration, and services. Natural helping networks such as neighborhood organizations, community leaders, and natural healers can be a vital source of support to consumers.