Challenges child welfare workers to change a professional paradigm to embrace a culturally sensitive orientation, specifically African American, using a four-tiered framework: legislative initiatives, child/family/agency interactions, service provision, and recruitment/retention of foster homes. Child welfare professionals must be trained on legislation and policies affecting their work and need to remain current on issues affecting child welfare practice. When interacting with the children and families they serve, welfare workers must convey an intimate knowledge of the community’s strengths and abilities to provide for the housing, education, recreation, and spirituality of each child. These interactions are based on personal and organizational attitudes, consistent and visible community involvement, flexible and responsive accessibility, and communication that makes clients feel comfortable. As workers deliver services, they must be sensitive to the culturally based dynamics within the community such as the history of interventions used in the community and realize that case outcomes must address the child within the context of the community where they live. Recruiting and retaining foster parents must use the channels important to the community such as churches, fraternities, and sororities as well as radio, television, and print advertising. Cultural competence transforms the professional consciousness with the ability to provide objective, neutral practice that actively connects with the cultural philosophy of the community and does not view European cultural orientation as superior. (IP)
