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NASW Standards and Policies

NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice
The complexities associated with cultural diversity in the United States affect all aspects of professional social work practice, requiring social workers to strive to deliver culturally competent services to an ever-increasing broad range of clients. The social work profession traditionally has emphasized the importance of the person-in environment and the dual perspective, the concept that all people are part of two systems: the larger societal system and their immediate environments.  In the United States, cultural diversity in social work has primarily been associated with race and ethnicity, but diversity is taking on a broader meaning to include the socio-cultural experiences of people of different genders, social classes, religious and spiritual beliefs, sexual orientations, ages, and physical and mental abilities.

Indicators for the Achievement of the NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice
Cultural competence in social work practice implies a heightened consciousness of how clients experience their uniqueness and deal with their differences and similarities within a larger social context. The achievement of cultural competence is an ongoing process.

NASW Public Policy Statements (2012)
NASW Press

Community Development
 Social Services

http://www.socialworkers.org/pressroom/swMonth/2012/toolkit/community/standards.asp
10/7/2013
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