Transcript CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENTCY ON THE …

CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC
COMPETENTCY ON THE US/MEXICO
BORDER
Esteban Zubia
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Why look at cultural and linguistic competency
locally?
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Local culture provides a sense of identity for all communities
and residents.
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This identity facilitates common understandings, traditions, and
values that are all central to the identification of plans of action
to improve mental health well-being.
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It is important to provide a local linkage and cultural basis for
mental health care.
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Cultural and linguistic competency serves to promote the local
identity, regional languages, and minority cultures.
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Biggest barrier?
• Our biggest barrier was getting the buy-in from our
own governance committee and private providers.
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What was done and how did it make a
difference?
a policy and adopted the “Culturally and
Linguistically Appropriate Services” (CLAS) using it’s six
domains
• Established
• Provided training assistance to mental health care
providers
• Provided bilingual/bicultural literature, assistance,
and respecting families as the primary source for defining
needs and priorities.
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Five Elements of Cultural Competence
Individual Level
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Acknowledged cultural differences
Understood your own culture
Engaged in self-assessment
Acquired cultural knowledge & skills
Viewed behavior within a cultural context
(Cross, Bazron, Dennis and Isaacs, 1989)
Slide Source: National Center for Cultural Competence,2007
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Five Elements of Cultural Competence
Organizational Level
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Valued diversity
Adapted to diversity
- policies - structures
- values - services
Conducted cultural self-assessment
Managed the dynamics of difference
Institutionalized cultural knowledge
(Cross, Bazron, Dennis and Isaacs, 1989)
Slide Source: National Center for Cultural Competence,2007
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How we Incorporated
Cultural Competency Standards into Practice
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Used open-ended questions to identify each
person’s unique cultural outlook.
Re-evaluated intake and assessment
documentation, as well as policies and
procedures, to be more inclusive.
Employed qualified mental health workers who
are fluent in the languages of the groups being
served.
Understood the cultural biases of staff and
provide training to address educational needs.
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How we Incorporated
Cultural Competency Standards into
Practice Cont.
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Understood the cultural biases in program
design.
Identified resources, such as natural supports,
within the community that will help an
individual recover.
Designed and implemented culturally sensitive
treatment plans.
Evaluated procedures and programs for cultural
sensitivity and effectiveness.
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Biggest success?
• Many community agencies participated in the
training offered and implemented our
recommendations within their practice.
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Suggestions for other communities?
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Our suggestions are to start within your own
organizations with a self and organizational level
assessment.
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Use the technical support offered by the grantor.
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Start disseminating cultural and linguistic
literature and material early within the
community and agencies.
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