Cultural Mediation Mayte C. Martin Jan 8th 2014 Patras, Greece Photos © Derek Speirs.
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Transcript of Cultural Mediation Mayte C. Martin Jan 8th 2014 Patras, Greece Photos © Derek Speirs.
Cultural Mediation
Mayte C. Martin
Jan 8th 2014Patras, GreecePhotos © Derek Speirs
Definition
“CULTURAL MEDIATION IS A DYNAMIC, CONTINUOUS PROCESS THROUGH WHICH A THIRD PARTY ACTS AS A CULTURAL BROKER BETWEEN TWO PARTIES AND ASSISTS BOTH OF THEM IN
REACHING A COMMON UNDERSTANDING AND IN INTERACTING MORE
SATISFACTORILY. CULTURAL MEDIATORS SOLVE AND
ESPECIALLY HELP PREVENT CONFLICTS CAUSED BY CULTURAL
MISUNDERSTANDINGS”.
Why CM
To assist service providers to deliver a sensitive and competent health care by helping them to understand better the needs of their Roma patients
To empower the Roma population to voice their own needs and concerns and assist them to interact with service providers
Dialogue
The Roma in Ireland
Some of the problems they encounter:
Isolation PovertyLack of informationCommunication barriers Cultural barriers Low level of educationIlliteracyLack of trust
Principles of CM
They are professional Cultural Mediators - Training is paramount
Cultural Mediators are engaged by the services
They act on behalf of both the services and their clients
They do not advocate for neither the services nor their clients
They adhere to a code of practice
Cultural Mediators
Cultural Mediators: Tasks Facilitate communication between service providers and Roma
clients
Assist both parties to reach a common understanding and to interact more satisfactorily
Help service providers to understand and be aware of culture specific practices
Establish a relationship of trust and confidence between clients and service providers
Support and encourage clients to voice their views and concerns
Help roma clients to gain a better understanding of the Irish services
Create a space for mutual understanding and therefore prevent potential conflict between service providers and Roma clients
Code of Practice
Cultural Mediators shall:
Maintain confidentiality and boundaries
Remain neutral (outcome) and impartially (process)
Keep a high level of performance (mediation techniques, professional attitude, and cultural awareness)
Facilitate accurate information
Not to interfere with the work of service providers
Reject cases which cannot be undertaken in a professional manner
Respect clients’ cultural and religious values
Refrain from abusing their power
Establish a relationship of trust and confidence with clients and service providers
Abstain from accepting any form of payment from clients
How to work with Cultural Mediators
Guidelines for Service Providers (1):
Cultural Mediators (CM) are professionals and should be treated as such
Strive to create a relationship of mutual respect and trust with the CM
Provide adequate briefing about the case
Explain the purpose of the intervention and the time commitment expected from CM Make sure you explain what is expected from the CM
Review the code of practice of CM in the presence of the CMClarify any relevant policy or protocol of your agency to the CM
Guidelines for Service Providers (2):
Set a strategy for supervision and feed back jointly with the CM for the duration of the case
Agree with CM or project staff an evaluation system before the intervention begins
Allow more time for appointments assisted by CM
Maintain your relationship with your client; ensure you keep regular eye contact with client
Ensure that your role and the role of the CM is explained carefully to the client
Keep an open communication with the CM and project staffIn case of unprofessional behaviour from the CM report back to project staff
Recognition of CM as a profession
Collaborative effort to provide:
Definition
Principles
Role and responsibilities
Training programme
Code of Practice
Protocol of service
Guidelines for service providers
Evaluation procedures (different levels)
Support structure for mediators
What service providers say
“The main benefits to me were being helped to understand the Roma culture and in particular the difficulties facing the Roma population within the asylum process.” (Public Health Nurse linked to Health Centre in Dublin 1)
“The service helped the client to express their voice as regards queries or concerns and reassured the client that help was available to them” (HSE Community Care Social Worker, Dublin 11)
“I have found this to be a very useful and effective service that has helped a great deal ... I would highly recommend (name of mediator) for her hard work and dedication” (Social Worker, Children’s Hospital)
“It’s a great resource and I would like to use it again” (Public Health Nurse, Donegal)
Thank you
For references to reports and publications see:
www.ideasbank.ie/files/FittingIn.pdf
www.translocations.ie/volume_4_issue_1/Vol_4_Issue_1_Mayte_C_Martin