Describes ways local runaway and homeless youth programs can better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse population. Developed by the Family and Youth Services Bureau, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this guide focuses on improving the cultural competence of governing boards, managers, and program staff. Key assumptions are that: cultural competence is an ongoing process that enables providers to design and deliver more effective programs to help young people develop self-respect, self-esteem, and a sense of stability; and cultural diversity training is not effective in isolation, but requires other management and programmatic changes. Chapters cover: (1) understanding the components of cultural competence and ways to make programs more accessible; (2) developing planning strategies for change within youth services programs; (3) assessing gaps in cultural competence within the organization; (4) motivating staff, planning in-service training, and securing commitments to cultural competence from staff and board; and (5) recognizing future challenges. Appendixes contain useful tools for achieving cultural competence within organizations, including assessment questionnaires, related reading materials, and evaluation forms; a listing of relevant national organizations; and charts to measure diversity in youth, communities, staff, and volunteers.
