Cultural Issues Training
The goals of this module are to help the reader understand the influence that culture has on the lives of child welfare clients; understand the policy framework that guides practice in the child welfare system regarding race, color, and national origin; and understand legal and best practice uses of cultural competence in child welfare practice; as well as to offer resources for effective practice.
The current policy framework that impacts workers' ability to practice cultural competence includes two Federal statutes and their interpretations. These are Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 (MEPA), the InterEthnic Adoption Provisions of 1996 (IEAP), Federal Regulations, and HHS/ACF/CB Policy Guidance and GAO Q & A 1998. These legal guidelines will be described with their implications for culturally competent practice.