Cultural Competence and the Field of ATOD: Latinos as a Case Example (From Alcohol Use/Abuse Among Latinos: Issues and Examples of Culturally Competent Services, P 5-19, 1998, Melvin Delgado, ed. - See NCJ-172702)

• NCJ Number: 172703
• Author(s): M Delgado
• Date Published: 1998
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article provides a foundation from which to examine cultural competence and how it can be implemented in the development of ATOD (alcohol, tobacco and other drugs) services for Latinos.

Abstract

The article provides a basis from which to examine the complexity of cultural competence, identifies various barrier organizations, includes a review of the literature, and presents a series of recommendations organizations should address in order to achieve success with Latinos. The concept of cultural competence refers to a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes and policies that come together in a system, agency, or intervention to work effectively in multicultural situations. Perspectives on how the concept has been operationalized include those from the human service field and from the ATOD field. Demographic trends projected for the 21st century reflect both a graying and coloring of the United States. Latinos will continue to represent a significant portion of the country, particularly in urban areas. ATOD organizations must be prepared for continual transformation to meet the needs of Latinos and other communities-of-color. Notes, references