DSAMH Mission Statement To improve the quality of life for adults having mental illness, alcoholism, drug addiction, or gambling addiction by promoting their health and well being, fostering their self-sufficiency and protecting those who are at risk. For more information about the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health call (302) 255-9399 or visit our web site at: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ dsamh Revised 9/2006 What is Cultural Competence? Cultural competence is a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals that enable them to work effectively in cross-cultural situations. A culturally competent system acknowledges and incorporates the following at all levels: • Valuing diversity • Cultural self-assessment • Vigilance toward the dynamics that result from cultural differences • Expansion of cultural knowledge • Adaptation of services to meet culturally-unique needs (Cross et.al., 1989) Cultural Competence Beliefs and Values “Our Way of Doing Business” • DSAMH acknowledges that a person’s culture is relevant to their recovery and the services they receive. • DSAMH believes that culturally sensitive practices can help reduce barriers to effective care. • DSAMH believes that cultural competence facilitates individualized care to the consumer. • DSAMH respects individual differences and recognizes cultural variability as a critical component of cultural competence. • DSAMH understands that consumer and family satisfaction with service provision is an important indicator of cultural competence. Promotion of cultural competence and cultural sensitivity is encouraged in many areas: • Inclusion in agency strategic plan, goals, and objectives • Integration of cultural competence into training and in-service curricula • Inclusion of cultural competence in contract performance measures and RFP language • Collaborative efforts with stakeholders, recipients, families, advocates and policy makers • Equitable distribution of resources • Promotion of service access to all populations with specific attention given to traditionally underserved populations