Building Parent-Professional Partnerships

Cultural Relevance

Professional Tips

Cultural Competence in Family Support Services

The development of cultural competence is essential in working sensitively and respectfully with families of those with special needs within the diverse cultures of Alaska. Until a trusting relationship has been established, the completion of specific tasks within defined time limits is very difficult. (Yonemitsu and Cleveland 1992).

Cultural Competency is defined as:

• Specific behaviors, attitudes, and practices that recognize, respect, and value the uniqueness of families whose cultures differ from those associated with mainstream America.
• Changing what we know, what we think, and most importantly, how we do things to serve and support children and families in our communities from all cultural backgrounds.

While it is impossible to create a comprehensive list of “do’s” and “don’ts”, here are some things professionals can do to increase your success when working with those from outside your immediate community, cultural and traditions.

Do:

• Be aware of your culture, traditions and values
• Respect and value each member of the community as an equal partner
• Understand that acceptance of another person’s cultural values does not lessen the value of your own
• Remember that each of us is a unique person
• Remember that establishing good communication is the first part of building any relationship
• Be aware that some acceptable western cultural practices may be less appropriate with those of other cultures, e.g. making direct eye contact and touching children on the head.
• Place yourself in the other person’s shoes.

Don’t:

• Try to become culturally “aware” overnight – this is a process, it takes time
• Assume that the person you are working with is familiar with your cultural values. Communicate the things that are important to you to others when appropriate

Cultural Competency benefits families through reducing of cross-cultural miscommunication. It increases your ability to communicate with others through allowing you to hear exactly what is meant during conversation.

Remember, each family makes choices based on their cultural backgrounds.

Resources

Project CRAFT Culturally Responsive and Family Focused Training: A Learning Guide, by Deborah Chin, Sam Chan, Linda Brekken, Eleanor W. Lynch and Arcelly Valverde 1998

Project CRAFT: Culturally Responsive and Family Focused Training: videocassette 60 minutes 1997

CEO Update Newsletter: Fall 1999 includes Self-Assessment Tool: Cultural Competence in a Multicultural Society with Practitioner Quiz, Consumer Checklist

Resources to Alaska Native consumers of governmental services:
http://www.alaskanativeresources.com/ano.html

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