Cultural Competence with Latino and Hispanic Communities
Latino Americans Cuban Mexican Puerto Rican Brazilian Salvadorans Dominicans Central American Other
Outreach and Enrollment Strategies Adapt materials
Use tx approaches that can be culturally adapted Provide a personal approach
No “one-size-fits-all” approach Solution-Focused Strengths-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Skill building
Use BH Peer Model Use Familiar Language
Outreach and Enrollment Strategies
Engage Community Members on Their Own Terms
Communicate Directly with Community Members
Use Media as a Resource Talk Radio Television Channels Church Newsletters Community Magazines
Outreach and Enrollment Strategies Address Barriers
Access to Education Mental Health Disparities Immigration Reform Initiatives Human Trafficking Homelessness Childcare Challenges Lack of Transportation Comprehension level May need English translator or require bilingual services Inflexible Work Schedules
Culturally Competent PracticesRecognize heterogeneity within the population
Differences in migration Reception in the U.S. How and why they came to the U.S. Acculturation processes began in their countries of origin due to effects of
neocolonialism and globalization Most often reasons for migration shape the reception and settlement in the U.S.
Immigrants are acting on a right to improve their lives and may make life threatening decisions as to how to accomplish this.Once in the U.S. they can be easy targets for exploitation and poor living conditions. Important not to demean, devalue, or project negative values or attitudes.Do not use the term “illegal alien” or even alien itself.
Nondocumented (preferred term) versus illegal alien Using the term “illegal alien” promotes dehumanization of immigrants by seeing
them as less moral.
Engage, Evaluate, Assess, and Intervene
To be effective, workers must pay attention to bicultural identification and language preference
Often, language is an indicator of acculturation and is associated with health outcomes
Important not to demean, devalue, or project negative values or attitudes
May see help through health professionals firstSkill development is premised on cultural attunement with attention to language, cultural values, and contextual stressorsPlanning can include a process stage, orientation, contact, problem identification, assessment, intervention, and termination
FamilyThe value of family is a central theme, a collective sense of self within the world.Tradition of honoring the elderly
Can appear to be enmeshment, from an individualistic, western philosophy. Grandmother is often viewed as the wise “protector,” allowing strong
intergenerational ties.Family systems approach (Salvador Minuchin) came out of this importance of family.Engaging fathers and their expertise will be important.The value of collective and “high context” communication, that which is personal and face-to-face. Role of the father as patriarch, and the role reversal of women being able to find employment, often resulting in family stress, substance abuse, and domestic violence.The role of the traditional values of the adults versus those assimilated by the youth. This can cause family discord.
ReligionCannot assume that the religion will be Catholic, yet it may be prominent. Cultural history has been eradicated in the past by theology. Pentecostal denominations are growing rapidly within the Americas.
Practice SkillsRelationship Protocols: The development of trust is important.Style: Must be personable, patient, and formal. Respect for authority, and seeking permission from the patriarch or senior family member before initiating any intervention, as well as displaying humility, will all go a long way.Problem Identification: Praise and recognition of strength to seek out assistance. Advocacy for self-help organizations and autonomy within the community.
References
Weaver, 2007. Cultural Competence with Latino Americans, in Culturally Competent Practice, A Framework for Understanding Diverse Groups and Justice Issues, 2007. Doman Lum, Editor, Thomson, Brooks and Cole, Belmont, Ca.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (Rockville). Strategies for Behavioral Health Organizations to Promote New Health Insurance Opportunities in Latino and Hispanic Communities. 2014: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
