University of Phoenix

• CJS 221

• CULTURAL COMPETENCE PAPER 2 Cultural Competence Paper Cultural competence is defined as a set of congruent behaviors, attitudes, and policies that come together in a system, agency or among professionals and enable that system, agency or those professions to work effectively in cross-cultural situations (Georgetown University, n.d.). This paper will in turn explain cultural competence, describe the value of cultural competence in the criminal justice field, list the elements that should be included in a cultural competence assessment of a criminal justice agency, explain how a criminal justice agency might implement a cultural competence assessment, and finally, explain the advantages of intercultural communication skills in criminal justice. The development of cultural competency created social change in the U.S during the times of the Civil Rights era. There were so many drastic forms of trying to show injustice such as freedom rides, boycotts, and sit ins. Americans believed that their system was that of freedom for all and equal opportunities. Instead it was not equal for those of minorities, there was a great deal of racism and sexism. The Civil Rights movement changed so much in society, the way people thought and felt make a big difference. During the 1950's the way nonviolence and equality was promoted was through television which only a few had. Over time the federal legislation legalized discrimination in America. After this occurred there was a drastic change a head. The election occurred when for the first time everyone could vote, those that were not allowed at the time were women and minorities. When this right was given it was felt that society begin to change, because for once everyone had a say in what happened in society. Given this right to vote there would be equality is what was thought. There are components that make up cultural competency, the three I will mention are attitude, knowledge, and skills. Attitude is used in increasing awareness of cultural bias and beliefs. This is used so that everyone can