Sensitivity to the cultural values of the individual becomes crucial in eliminating biases, developing respect, and understanding various norms and values of the individual by the agency that supports the individual. Cultural competence recognizes the strengths of the person served, the family of the person, the person’s gender, sexual orientation, ability, ethnic background, etc., in order to protect the dignity of the individual. Staff are oriented to understand the sensitivity of the individual’s cultural values at the time when staff will be oriented to work with the individual. An individual’s treatment plan will be developed surrounding these values of the individual after a proper assessment of the values. Accommodations are being made to the environment, dietary meals, viewing of television shows, goal plans, staff training, interventions, and support.
Further, we routinely screen books, movies, and other media resources for negative cultural, ethnic, or racial stereotypes before sharing them with persons being served. Besides, pictures, posters, and material that reflect the individual’s faith, culture, and ethnic background will be given adequate consideration. Language deficiency will be addressed with multilingual or bilingual staff or trained interpreters to facilitate communication that leads to individual assessment, treatment sessions, meetings, or family feedback.