system of care for rhode island's children, youth and families

APPENDIX C: DEFINITIONS, CORE VALUES AND STANDARDS
OF CULTURAL COMPETENCE FOR RHODE ISLAND’S SYSTEM
OF CARE FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES
CULTURE
DEFINITIONS 24
The thoughts, ideas, behavior patterns, customs, beliefs, values, skills, arts, religions and
prejudices of a particular people at a given point in time.
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
The rich mixture of ethnic, racial, religious, national and individual characteristics that colors
the landscape of the world in which we live.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE
The ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all
cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds and religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms
and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the
dignity of each.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE IS FOR EVERYONE
CULTURAL COMPETENCE CORE VALUES 25
Cultural competence is a personal and organizational commitment to learn about one another and how
individual culture affects how we act, feel and present ourselves in the work place. The purpose of
cultural competence is the sharing of knowledge about all aspects of culture [gender, religion, age,
sexuality, education, etc.], not just the racial/ethnic culture of people of color. Cultural competence is
an enrichment process, which allows everyone to share and learn. We have to be as willing to share
our culture as to learn about another person’s.
The vision, mission and goals are the tools the organization can use to create an organizational culture
where employees feel comfortable discussing cultural difference and learning about the cultures of
other employees and the population served. The organization can also further discussion of diversity
by holding events or meetings which encourage people to explore different cultures and have open
and honest discussions about difference. Organizations should be willing to allocate resources -
money, time , people - to ensure that cultural competence is a priority in the organization.
24 Adapted from Advancing Cultural Competence in Child Welfare Initiative, Child Welfare League of
America, September 1997.
25 Adapted from Advancing Cultural Competence in Child Welfare Initiative, Child Welfare League of
America, September 1997.
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