Culture & Diversity
Meadows Care believes it is important to address these issues as
– Children and young people are vulnerable to adult beliefs and practices
– Issues of power are heightened in children and young people from an ethnic minority background
– Notion of childhood and adolescence is shaped by cultural beliefs of what is “normal”
– Parenting style is shaped by culture
– The strong relationship between identity and psychological well-being
We encourage our staff to address these through raising questions that:
– Acknowledge / explore differences in language and meaning
– Explore belief systems surrounding the presenting problem
– Be mindful of cultural appropriateness when talking to a child (in front of their parent)
– Having an awareness of the impact of asking questions about sex, gender roles, autonomy, immigration status…
– Asking about “alternative” culturally appropriate / available interventions i.e. spiritual, healing
– Examine racism / prejudice, and incorporate into formulation and intervention
We promote respectful challenge, being mindful of power difference in relationships, reflecting on how our predominant theoretical model influences our thinking around cultural diversity, and recognise our own assumptions and when these minimise curiosity. We adopt a strengths-based approach as well as wellness planning as part of the overall approach.
