Culturally Competent Family Preservation Services: An Approach for First-Generation Hispanic Families in an International Border Community

Abstract

Family preservation is a creative family-centered approach to providingfamily services that has emerged from thefields of child welfare and family services. The family preservation approach is intensive and time limited, with clinical as well as concrete services provided in thefamily 's home. This article describes a culturally competent approach to providingfamily preservation services for Hispanicfamilies who are experiencing child neglect and abuse in the international border community of El Paso, Texas. Thefamily preservation approach is briefly described and providing culturally competent services is explored in depth. Cultural competence is defined and demonstrated through a case example involving a first-generation Mexican American family.

Developing Strong Helping Alliances in Family Reunification

“…Indeed, in recent years there has been increased attention on culturally competent practice in child welfare, although empirical evidence about its role in either relationship-building or outcomes is limited (Cohen, 2003;Harris, Skyles, Barrett, & George, 2005;Leung, Cheung, & Stevenson, 1994;Maiter, 2004;McPhatter, 1997;Mederos & Woldeguiorguis, 2003;Nybell & Gray, 2004;Pierce & Pierce, 1996;Sandau-Beckler, Salcido, & Ronnau, 1993;Smith, 2006;Woodroffe & Spencer, 2003).…”

Educating for Cultural Competence in the Generalist Curriculum

“…The generalist practitioner should value diversity through the use of conceptual constructs which view cultural, ethnic, and the unique aspects of varying backgrounds as strengths and resources which can be fostered and supported for their benefit (Pinderhughes, 1979;Romu, 1991;Ronnau & Sallee, 1993;Sandau-Beckler, Salcido & Ronnau, 1993). The content in the human behavior sequence should focus on broadening students' awareness and acceptance of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural heritages and instill in students the need to develop and maintain the attitude that learning about cultures and cross-cultural practice is an essential ongoing process synonymous with professionalism.…”