Can clients be made to use services ‘properly', or should services change to fit the needs of clients?
The Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health (CEH) hosted a panel discussion on Tuesday 28 July 2009, to explore the concept of cultural integrity in service delivery.
Cultural integrity is aspirational and developmental in nature. It is relevant to all services, from hospitals and schools to community education and outreach programs. It describes a holistic service response which places the needs of clients at its centre.
Panellists
Cultural integrity in health services
Michal Morris, executive manager of CEH, has over 10 years' experience in developing policies and services that support cultural diversity and human rights. She will outline the key elements necessary to provide a service with cultural integrity, using examples from the health sector.
Cultural integrity in mental health services
Tymur Hussein is a psychologist with extensive experience in cross-cultural psychology. He will discuss the barriers that can keep CALD communities from using professional counselling services, and outline culturally appropriate models of counselling.
Cultural integrity in education
David Rothstadt is the principal of Noble Park Primary School, where over 70 per cent of students are from non-English-speaking backgrounds. David will explain why schools are becoming ‘community hubs' to meet the needs of CALD families.
The panel preceded the launch of Taking the first step together , a DVD resource on problem gambling.