CLC Services, Activities, and Interventions
Providing culturally and linguistically competent services, activities and interventions begins with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the community. Equipped with such a foundation, an Initiative can put together a full menu of appropriate services, interventions and activities that meet children, youth and parents where they are, with service providers who understand their needs and are able to fulfill them.
Needs Assessment
An accurate, comprehensive and inclusive needs assessment can provide critical information to help the selection process. The effectiveness of an evidence-based intervention (EBI) may be enhanced if adaptations are implemented that satisfy the needs of students and their parents. It is important to note, however, that the fidelity of the EBI must be preserved. Additionally, not all adaptations have been found to be effective and sometimes it may be better to keep the intervention in its original form.
Adaptations
Examples of adaptations that may better meet the needs of students and families include:
- translation into other languages;
- making sure that translations fit the culture of the intended audience, are accurate, and match the intended audience’s literacy level; and
- providing interventions in verbal rather than written form and providing interpreter services.
Access/Availability
Making services available is often not sufficient. Utilization of services can be greatly enhanced through effective outreach and involvement of students, parents and the community. Access and usability of services are also important to reach intended audiences, and involve attention to logistical issues such as:
- transportation,
- flexible operating hours,
- a sliding fee schedule, and
- offering services in a variety of languages, with translation and interpret
er services.
Depending on cultural, historical or ethnic background, some parents may be resistant to services. Explaining the nature and benefits of services to parents in terms that are acceptable, understandable and amenable to them can help overcome resistance.
Relationships with competent community providers: Another way to ensure that programs and interventions have utility for students and their families is to enlist clinicians and other providers who have the capacity to provide culturally and linguistically competent services. A policy statement may serve to support the expectation that services provided will be uniformly culturally and linguistically competent and of high quality. This means that the services are effective, respectful and compatible with the stakeholders’ cultural beliefs and language preference. However, changing the make up of staff at an agency can be difficult or politically challenging to achieve, and may take years even with the best intentions.
Evaluation
Finally, a regular review of evaluation data can help identify whether services are being utilized at expected rates and whether they are culturally and linguistically effective. If not, they may be adjusted according to need.
