Negative orientation towards cultural and racial differences - Many factors influence our perceptions of different racial, ethnic and cultural groups. Unfortunately there still exists strong evidence of prejudice, bias and racism in this country towards people of different groups, including those with disability, racially and linguistically diverse groups and people with different religious affiliations and sexual orientations. Communities need to understand, confront and then deal with these feelings as they build integrated, effective systems of services and supports for children and families. Cultural competence may also be a issue for your community if there are those who have been in the community but have feelings of alienation or who have been excluded in the past. The changing faces of communities in the U.S. requires knowledge of the cultures that comprise the new landscape and the ability to adapt to current and future changes.
Many different paths lead to cultural competency.
The chosen path has to be tailored to the particular needs and characteristics of the cultural or ethnic groups, the community, the service organizations, the attitudes and philosophies of policy makers and the political, economic, and social circumstances that shape interactions in a given community. The roads that lead to the development of communities that foster culturally competent practices are wide, and there is much room for creativity and accomplishment. Top of Page Resources on Cultural Competence A few resources to get you started in your efforts to make your services and supports for children and families culturally competent.