CONTENTS

About This Course

Table of Contents

1. An Introduction to Environmental Strategies
2. Types of Environmental Approaches
3. Putting Environmental Strategies To Work

Supplements
References
Resources

Environmental Strategies for Prevention
A Guide To Helping the Prevention Professional Work Effectively in the Community

Culturally Competent Programs

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.

From the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, Technical Assistance Bulletin, "Following Specific Guidelines will help you assess cultural competence in program design, application, and management, September 1994. Downloaded from http://ncadi.samhsa.gov/govpubs/MS500/ on December 8, 2004.