| A person might inquire though as to how to become culturally competent so that they can better help families. The best way to do that can be found in an article by McPhatter and Ganaway that address just such an issue from both the personal standpoint and the business standpoint. Becoming culturally competent is a complex yet comprehensive process that requires a person or business to restructure their already existing cognitive, affective, and skill set schemas (McPhatter; Ganaway, 2003). The benefit of becoming culturally competent is that �the application of cognitive and affective learning enhances one�s ability to enter the world of culturally different clients in a manner that understands and preserves the legitimacy of the culture and effectively meets their needs.� (McPhatter; Ganaway, 2003). Once this understanding is obtained and continually maintained, the professional is better able to serve their diverse client base. References Grotevant, Harold D., Dunbar, Nora., Kohler, Julie K., Lash Esau, Amy M. (Oct. 2000). Adoptive Identity: How Contexts Within and Beyond the Family Shape Developmental Pathways. Family Relations, v49n4, 379-387. McPhatter, Anna R., & Ganaway, Traci L., (Mar/Apr 2003). Beyond the Rhetoric: Strategies for Implementing Culturally Effective Practice with Children, Families, and Communities. Child Welfare v82n2, 103-124. Nelson, Douglas W. (Nov. 2000). Connections Count: An Alternative Framework for Understanding and Strengthening America�s Vulnerable Families. Young Children v55n6, 39-42. |