These days the term can frequently be heard in discussions. Federal agencies have defined cultural competence within the context of governmental programs and the duties assigned to them.
Some states have legislation around cultural and linguistic competency.
Local service agencies have developed definitions of cultural competence with specific guidelines for its application in the delivery of services. It is more than hiring one staff member from a different culture or having an interpreter in a service organization or school. The NCCC further defines cultural competence at the individual level as having the values, skills, knowledge, attitudes and attributes to work effectively in cross cultural situations. The use of culturally competent practices and principles demonstrates an acknowledgment of and respect for people of all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The underlying idea of cultural competence is to recognize and accept differences in people and view differences from a strengths perspective when delivering services.