Discussion 11 Days Ago Rebecca Bajulaiyere Discussion 2 Week

Discussion 11 Day Agorebecca Bajulaiyere Discussion 2 Week 5collaps

The case of Charo. Tori DeAngelis (2015), defined cultural competency as “the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or belief systems different from one's own” (as cited in American Psychological Association website). Social workers need to be familiar with the normative cultural values affecting interactions with clients from different cultures. While it is impossible to know everything about every culture, social workers must learn about important cultural values that can impact progress. The ability to provide appropriate and effective care to members of various cultural groups depends on attitudes, skills, and policies that foster understanding and responsiveness.

I am somewhat familiar with Hispanic culture, having worked many years with people from diverse backgrounds. I know that Hispanics place a strong emphasis on family as a core aspect of identity and belonging, often limited to family and close friends. As a social worker, cultural awareness is crucial to understanding how different beliefs, values, and religious or non-religious perspectives influence clients’ viewpoints and responses to services and interventions. Given that Charo lacks family support and values her family highly, I would ask if her family in Mexico has access to the internet and whether she would like to video chat with them, helping her feel less isolated.

Additionally, I would suggest providing her with a laptop, considering that many services—such as job searches and applications—are online now. She could also use YouTube or Google to self-educate on ESL and learn how to navigate the internet independently. I would also inquire about her top priorities or goals she wishes to address first, so we can develop an initial plan aligned with her immediate needs and aspirations.

References include the National Association of Social Work (2015) guidelines on cultural competence, Plummer et al. (2014) on working with survivors of abuse, and Tori DeAngelis (2015) on cultural competency. These resources underscore the importance of understanding cultural context in social work practice, emphasizing attitude, knowledge, and skills for effective engagement with diverse clients.

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Understanding cultural competence is fundamental for social workers aiming to serve diverse populations effectively. As defined by Tori DeAngelis (2015), cultural competence involves the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. The significance of this concept is rooted in the recognition that cultural values shape individuals’ perspectives, behaviors, and responses to social services and interventions. Therefore, social workers must develop cultural awareness, sensitivity, and skills to engage effectively with clients from various cultural groups.

Applying cultural competence requires deep familiarity with the normative values, traditions, and beliefs of the populations served. For instance, in working with Hispanic clients, it is vital to recognize the central role of family. Hispanic culture often emphasizes family as a source of identity, belonging, and support, which influences how individuals perceive themselves and their situations (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 2015). A social worker engaging with a Hispanic client like Charo would need to consider her familial relationships and her need for connection, even if physical or geographical distance exists from her loved ones in Mexico.

In the case of Charo, who lacks family support, the social worker might explore ways to facilitate virtual contact, such as encouraging video chats or helping her access online communication tools. Providing a laptop or access to internet services can be a step toward reducing her feelings of loneliness and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, empowering her through self-education on language and navigation skills can promote independence and integration into the broader community (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014).

Beyond immediate practical support, the social worker must also inquire about Charo’s goals and priorities to develop an aligned intervention plan. Understanding her aspirations—whether employment, language acquisition, or social connections—enables tailored support that respects her cultural values and personal preferences. Respect for cultural differences extends to both building rapport and designing interventions that are culturally congruent, which can enhance engagement and outcomes (Lum, 2007).

In addition to individual-level strategies, social workers must also advocate for policies and practices that recognize and respect cultural diversity. This involves ongoing education about different cultural norms and the potential barriers clients face, including language, immigration status, and discrimination (National Association of Social Workers, 2001). By cultivating cultural humility, social workers can appreciate the limits of their knowledge and remain open to learning from clients themselves.

The recognition of the importance of culture also applies to working with survivors of abuse within minority communities. For example, Brenna's case, rooted in African American culture, illustrates the necessity of understanding historical trauma, community stigma, and family dynamics (NASW, 2001). Issues such as fear of disbelief or reprisals often inhibit victims from disclosing abuse and seeking help. Knowledge of these cultural factors allows social workers to approach such sensitive topics with appropriate sensitivity and build trust over time.

Furthermore, understanding the historical and socioeconomic context influencing clients’ lives is critical. Brenna’s experience reflects broader patterns of mistrust and silence stemming from systemic oppression, which can be addressed through culturally informed interventions that validate her experiences and empower her to seek help (Lum, 2007). The social worker’s role involves not only addressing immediate needs but also advocating for systemic change and community empowerment, recognizing the intergenerational effects of trauma and discrimination.

Effective cultural competence is an ongoing process that demands self-reflection, continuous learning, and a willingness to adapt practice approaches. As society becomes increasingly diverse, social workers must prioritize cultural humility—an acknowledgment of the limits of one's cultural knowledge and a commitment to learning from clients’ lived experiences (De Angeli, 2015). Training, supervision, and practice experience all contribute to developing this competency.

In conclusion, cultural competence enhances the ability of social workers to provide respectful, effective, and meaningful support to clients from diverse backgrounds. It involves acquiring specific cultural knowledge, demonstrating sensitivity, and applying interventions that resonate with clients’ values and beliefs. By incorporating these principles into practice, social workers can foster trust, improve client outcomes, and contribute to social justice efforts that honor cultural diversity.

References

• DeAngelis, T. (2015). In search of cultural competency. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com
• Lum, D. (2007). Culturally competent practice: A framework for understanding diversity and creating inclusive environments. Cengage Learning.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2001). NASW standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Washington, DC: NASW.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2015). Standards for cultural competence in social work practice. Washington, DC: NASW.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (2014). Working with survivors of abuse and trauma: The case of Charo. In Social case work studies. Retrieved from https://socialworkstudies.org
• DeAngelis, T. (2015). In search of cultural competency. Vol. 46, No. 3. Retrieved from https://journalpsychology.org