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| Cultural
competence is defined differently by different authors,
but the definition we find most useful is: |
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| Cultural
competence is acceptance and respect for difference,
continuing self-assessment regarding culture, attention
to the dynamics of difference, ongoing development
of cultural knowledge and resources, and flexibility
within service models to work toward better meeting
the needs of minority populations.* |
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| The
concept of culture is central to this definition.
That term must also be defined: |
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| Culture
is defined by Cross, Bazron, Dennis, and Isaacs
(1989) as, "the integrated pattern of human
behavior that includes thoughts, communications,
actions, customs, beliefs, values, and institutions
of a racial, ethnic, religious, or social group."*
It is most important to note that a range of factors
contribute to cultural diversity. Forms of diversity
include, but are not limited to, gender, sexual
orientation, race, ethnicity, ability and disability,
religion and spirituality, age, and social class.
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*Cross,
T. L., Bazron, B. J., Dennis, K. W., Isaacs, M.
R. (1989). Towards a culturally competent system
of care (Volume 1 A Monograph on Effective Services
for Minority Children Who Are Severely Emotionally
Disturbed). Washington, DC: National Technical
Assistance Center for Children's Mental Health,
Georgetown University Child Development Center.
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A
partnership between Georgia Department of
Human Resources and the Departments of Anthropology
and Psychology at Georgia State University
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