Instructs Department of Family Protective Services staff on how to more effectively respond to needs of Latino children and families through culturally competent practice, or through practice that exhibits awareness of the influence of culture on human behavior. Staff needs to be knowledgeable of the Latino population and the cultural values that many Latinos share: confianza, machismo, deep-seated religious traditions, and stigma surrounding mental illness. Knowledge of integration and assimilation experiences common to Latinos, such as separation and stress, is also important. Culturally competent staff members will maximize social support and decrease isolation by implementing systems of care, or networks that partner with child-welfare agency staff and other community supports to meet each family’s specific needs. Includes a Training Manual.
