Cultural Competency Analysis

It is a crucial element that all professional practitioners consider continual development of cultural competency during their career in the CJS. As a current University student, cultural competency has been an important topic of my studies. As for not only myself, but all individuals in professional fields, cultural competency is a crucial component in becoming successful as a professional. I believe that cultural competency is similar to acquiring a new skill. It requires you to develop a plan for professional development. In the beginning of my University studies, I feel as though I may have been in the ‘cultural blindness’ stage of the continuum. I felt as though everyone should be treated the same regardless of their race or background. …show more content…
With the large issue of overrepresentation amongst First Nation Australian’s in the CJS, involving issues surrounding desensitisation and excessive force, it is apparent that responses to this group must be addressed accordingly. In order to improve responses to and engagement with First Nation Australian’s in the CJS, it is important for all employees to understand cultural differences. With the use of the Cross Cultural Competence Model, organisations within the CJS can be supported and guided through the stages of cultural destructiveness, cultural incapacitation, cultural blindness, cultural pre-competence, cultural competence, and cultural proficiency, in their journey of becoming competent. Using support services such as cultural supervision, collaborative treatment partners and cultural consultants, are all ways to assist in expanding knowledge along the journey of becoming competent. When cultural competence is achieved within the CJS, this can result in effective service delivery including responses and engagement with First Nations people, increased job satisfaction, and improved outcomes for First Nation