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Cultural Competency

Isela Arras, Kentucky Domestic Violence Association

Iarras@kdva.org

502-209-5382

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NASW Definition:Cultural Competency

Refers to the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, and communities and protects and preserves the dignity of each.

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Cultural Competency

What is cultural competency?

How do we define cultural competency?

Any definition of cultural competency should focus on US, not THEM

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What patient would you rather have?

___A is kind and appreciative. She cannot talk too much, but is otherwise communicative. She is friendly, fearless, and inquisitive. She looks good and is relatively self-sufficient. She asks about the nurse's well-being and sleeps through the night.

___B is self-centered. He cries, and can’t walk or talk. He is incontinent and can't feed himself. He is bald, and cranky. He wakes up at all hours of the night.

___C is grouchy, and something of a hypochondriac. He is scraggly-looking. He needs help walking, but can take care of himself when he reaches his destination. He sleeps, but not a lot.

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A B C

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Three Presumptions

1.Innocence2.Worthiness3.Competence

Handout: Vision, Privilege, and the Limits of Tolerance

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Presumption of Innocence

I know that I have dominant culture privilege because I get the presumption of innocence.

When something goes wrong around me, people do not look to me first, or even second, as a probable cause of the problem.

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Presumption of Worthiness The presumption that I am worthy, deserving and good enough to receive

attention, services, respect, and the benefit of the doubt.

This presumption can operate in many different contexts. As a white, upper middle class, heterosexual who does not have a visible disability, I will be taken at face value as a good candidate for a bank loan, a desired applicant for a job, a sought-after buyer of a house, and a customer who should be served as soon as possible.

This presumption is strengthened if I am with my partner, who is a similarly privileged white man.

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Presumption of Competence

The last presumption given to members of the dominant culture is the presumption of competence.

In all of the jobs I have ever had, I was always treated as if I was competent, and then given the autonomy, encouragement, and feedback to prove it.

In nearly all of the experiences I ever had or continue to have as a student, I walk in and I am given the presumption of competence.

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Example: Anita Green

Read case example in groups

How can we afford Anita Green: Innocence

Worthiness

Competence

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Implications for…

Practice Policies Procedures

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Contact Information

Isela Arras, iarras@kdva.orgKentucky Domestic Violence AssociationDirector of Training502-209-5382859-388-0844