Journal Entry Week Nine

November 9, 2014

The courts encounter a diverse group of individuals from culturally different

backgrounds. Because we serve a vast majority of cultures, the staff must be aware of the
specific needs of these various populations. There are several ways that the court addresses
cultural competence in assisting their consumers. There are bilingual staff in our intake and
records departments, language specific documents, the courts offer various language interpreter
services and the language line during court hearings. The courts offer the best customer service
in an effort to accommodate the needs and offer the services that are utilized by the growing
cultural groups in the community.
The greatest challenge facing the courts in regards to cultural competency, is how can the
courts effectively address and offer similar services that benefit all cultures. It seems that the
majority of the cultural competent services offered by the courts is focused on the Hispanic
population. The courts are experiencing an increasing demand for services due to the migration
of various cultures to the state. In order to accommodate these needs the courts must develop
strategies and services that focus on the specific demands of all cultures that utilize the court
system in conducting personal business.
Cultural competency is a constantly changing concept, because it centers on the
differences in people. When working in human services staff must be aware of those differences
in race, gender, economic status, and sexual orientation. Continuous training in competencies
that are focused on cultural beliefs and attitudes are needed in developing policies that can be

utilized as a consistent resource for family-oriented services within the court systems. Best
practices in cultural competency will help consumers to effectively navigate and negotiate their
specific needs/options in accessing services within the courts.