By Robert D. Rettmann, Director of Research & Communications

Both staff and the clients they serve come from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes, even when staff speak the same language as clients, messages can be misunderstood because of differences in culture.

While staff have little control over how they are perceived by clients from different cultures, they can minimize the potential for misunderstanding in the messages they relay. When we develop sensitivity in our interactions with individuals of various cultures, our workplaces can become more supportive of all persons within our workplace culture—including both clients and staff.

The following articles from the Journal of Safe Management of Disruptive and Assaultive Behavior examine the concept of cultural competency in crisis intervention—a concept that, when applied in schools, hospitals, and human-service settings, can foster Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security^SM for all.

• Cultural Competence in Crisis Intervention
• The Culture of Disability
• The Culture of Autism: Clues to Causation of Crises and a Source for Solutions
• Restraint Use: Culture of Assumptions

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