Cultural competence refers to a set of academic and interpersonal skills that allow individuals to increase their understanding and appreciation of cultural differences and similarities within, among, and between groups. This requires a willingness and ability to draw on community-based values, traditions, and customs and to work with knowledgeable persons of and from the community in developing targeted interventions, communications, and other supports.

A culturally competent program is one that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of cultural differences in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Culturally competent programs:

• Acknowledge culture as a predominant force in shaping behaviors, values, and institutions
• Acknowledge and accept that cultural differences exist and have an impact on service delivery
• Believe that diversity within cultures is as important as diversity between cultures
• Respect the unique, culturally defined needs of various client populations
• Recognize that concepts such as "family" and "community" are different for various cultures and even for subgroups within cultures
• Understand that people from different racial and ethnic groups and other cultural subgroups are usually best served by persons who are a part of or in tune with their culture
• Recognize that taking the best of both worlds enhances the capacity of all.

A culturally competent program is one that demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of cultural differences in program design, implementation, and evaluation. Culturally competent programs:

• Acknowledge culture as a predominant force in shaping behaviors, values, and institutions
• Acknowledge and accept that cultural differences exist and have an impact on service delivery
• Believe that diversity within cultures is as important as diversity between cultures
• Respect the unique, culturally defined needs of various client populations
• Recognize that concepts such as "family" and "community" are different for various cultures and even for subgroups within cultures
• Understand that people from different racial and ethnic groups and other cultural subgroups are usually best served by persons who are a part of or in tune with their culture
• Recognize that taking the best of both worlds enhances the capacity of all.

Source: SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI)

Relevant Links

Diversity Rx
Multicultural Leadership Institute
National Center for Cultural Competency
Office of Minority Health Resource Center
Policy on Cultural Competency - Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services