Discusses cultural competence, or the ability to take in multiple perspectives, which is the foundation of effective child protection. Acquiring the skills and knowledge of cultural competence helps practitioners distinguish between aspects of family difficulties that are based on cultural heritage and those that are rooted in neglect. While cultural diversity is to be respected, culture cannot be used as an excuse for neglect. A suggested framework for culturally competent child neglect work includes determining: (1) whether the child’s needs have been met; (2) whether cultural conflict has occurred as a result of the criteria applied to assess a child’s needs; (3) which child rearing beliefs and practices have the potential for harm; (4) what variations within a culture may also contribute to child maltreatment; and (5) which approach or intervention is appropriate for a given family’s culture and background. Child protection workers are encouraged to take an interest in different cultures and to consider their patients and their families as teachers about that culture. Intracultural variability – the considerable diversity within a culture or ethnic group – further complicates the effort to identify neglect and protect the children.
