Introduction pg.

Intention of This Guide pg. 2

Systemic Impacts on Mental

Health Disparities for BIPOC
Communities pg. 3

Overview of Culturally Relevant

BRIDGING THE GAP TO CULTURALLY

Definitions and Terms pg. 6

SPECIFIC PRACTICES IN WISe: How We Can Strengthen Cultural

Relevance in WISe To Serve
A Guide for WISe Practitioners Supporting Black, BIPOC Communities pg. 9

Indigenous, People of Color Youth and Families in

Washington State Integrating Culturally Relevant
Principle into WISe Phases pg. 11

Moving Forward pg. 22

WISe Website

Culturally Specific Guide Toolkit

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this guide is to bring focus to the unique needs and barriers of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)
youth and families participating in WISe to receiving effective culturally appropriate support and services. We focus this guide
around the Culturally Relevant principle of WISe in order to further bridge the gap that is traditional mental health practices to
those more relevant and effective to serve the BIPOC community.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY I took these skills with me into my role WISe and mental health, were we? Are So I’ve committed for myself, my family
and career advocating for all youth and we actually being culturally relevant and those I serve to continue this work
As an African American woman and
families, as one thing became glaringly and effective for the BIPOC youth and of effective culturally relevancy and by
mother, I was excited to be offered
obvious. Right along with the great families that we served? Were the advocating for real inclusivity, looking
the opportunity to help create this
strides that the mental health field was evidence-based practices, evidenced further and deeper for the culturally
culturally relevant guide for BIPOC youth
experiencing, there was also this gap based for the BIPOC youth and families relevant supports and services that
and families participating in the WISe
and lack of culturally relevant practices as well? I needed for myself, my children and
program. Luckily, I was introduced to the
being utilized for all youth and families families that identified as belonging to
field of behavioral health some 20 years I discovered via research in college
as well as very little discussion to the BIPOC communities I served in WISe.
ago and thus began my education and while pursuing my Human Service
even begin learning about the unique
understanding of the impact of trauma degree, and while serving on the King Krystal Livingston
difficulties and barriers that people of
that dictated my every move in the form County Behavioral Health Advisory CPC, Trainer, Mentor, Coach
color particularly experience.
of racism, discrimination, childhood Board that often these communities are
adversities and bias directly or When I began the process of seeking not participants of such research so the
indirectly experienced. Everyday living support for my own family, the lack of likelihood of reaching stated outcomes
was more likely than not wrought with representation, or providers that looked utilizing the EBP, often depended on the
racial microaggressions which expressed like me, let alone that could relate to extra measures individual practitioners
itself in hypervigilance and exacerbated me led to an increased wariness in took on as agency support frequently
anxiety, that was not ok. initiating or continuing services. But I was not there. That took awareness, a
was determined and we were desperate willingness to practice from a cultural
Having lived these and other toxic
for help! humility stance, being other centered
experiences, I discovered my strengths,
with a willingness to learn.
my voice, my self-empowerment, and This led me down a path of questioning
ability to bounce back! when we discuss cultural relevancy in

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INTENTION OF THIS GUIDE

OUR GOAL and hope is that this guide will serve as a tool to assist WISe practitioners,
community mental health leaders and agencies acquire a deeper awareness of what
it means to be culturally relevant in practice, while ultimately increasing BIPOC youth
and family’s trust, understanding, engagement and participation in WISe and other
community mental health supports and services. We acknowledge that the focus
of this guide is on the BIPOC community, we also honor that there are many other
diverse, minority cultures and subcultures that participate in the WISe program.

This reference guide is a work in progress. Its intent and purpose by no means can
capture, to the full extent, the wealth of shared stories, local and national data, ideas,
strategies, and tools available. Instead, we intend to shed light on the strengths,
successes, and areas of growth needed in WISe to truly become culturally relevant in
serving BIPOC communities. We will also highlight alternative mental health supports,
practices, and strategies to supplement the WISe phases and principles, primarily
created by and for BIPOC communities.

In addition to this guide utilizing the National Standards for Culturally and
Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health and Health Care as well as the BIPOC
specific toolkit were created that contains additional information to allow for a
deeper dive in cultural specific resources, supports, strategies, policies & procedures
to assist WISe practitioners, and mental health providers:
Culturally Specific Guide Toolkit

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SYSTEMIC IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
DISPARITIES FOR BIPOC COMMUNITIES

According to the 2018 Social & Economic information is sometimes difficult to

Sciences Research Center (SESRC) interpret due to the lack of normative
survey of children and youth, and their data on specific population groups.
caregivers, who are participating in the Furthermore, many cultural groups’
program known as Wraparound with internal values are not easily captured
Intensive Services (WISe), youth and quantitatively. The Principles of
caregivers were asked to evaluate the Wraparound findings are necessary
cultural sensitivity of the staff at their steps to ensuring that cultural needs are
behavioral health agency. Most of the being met. It is also of consequence to
youth and caregivers, 90% or higher, operationally define what is meant by
indicated that the staff were respectful culturally relevant and culture-based
and culturally sensitive (Table 27). processes, so that the project can assess
for these elements
Unfortunately, within the context of
Mental health conditions
specific data found continuous quality
don’t discriminate,
did not showcase improvement
and neither should our mental
the percentage of (Palmer-2.6-culture-
health system. We are calling for
BIPOC youth and based-wrap.pdf).
systematic change and improved
families that may have
access to culturally competent
participated in the As studies have
care, so no one feels alone in
survey. Therefore, we shown that “most
their journey.
are unaware if these mental health models
reported successes Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., don’t consider the
have taken into CEO of NAMI National breadth of cultural
consideration BIPOC and sexual identity
youth and families and expression, and
enrolled in the WISe program. it’s yet another space where BIPOC
youth and families, leaders and agencies
According to NWI Culture based get the implicit message that they don’t
wraparound, collecting quantitative data belong.” Unfortunately, due to this lack
that measures fidelity to culture-based of consideration we often see BIPOC
services, the wraparound process, and youth and families that do seek support,
treatment outcomes are important, this

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SYSTEMIC IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
DISPARITIES FOR BIPOC COMMUNITIES

gaslighting behaviors as the wider expertise of who they are and what
population whether intentional or not. they need to participate in the WISe

One way to determine

whether WISe delivery is There are many issues within the black
equitable is to compare community that affect their desire to seek mental
outcomes from different health services, including: the stigma of mental health
groups receiving those issues within the black community, the historical practice
services. The Child and of going to the pastor for family and personal issues that
Adolescent Needs and may be related to mental health needs, fear of involving
Strengths (CANS) tool outsiders in family business, and ongoing racism and
allows us to quantify microaggressions faced by black families seeking
those outcomes and is services through non-black provider agencies.
collected in our online
Casteele Williams & Associates
reporting system known
as the Behavioral Health
Analysis Solution (BHAS). Starting in program and utilizing data collecting
October of 2021, we plan to increase the tools such as the CANS assessment.
demographic questions collected and They are investing needed time, energy
entered into BHAS and include race, and have created a PowerPoint where
ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender it demonstrates how to effectively
identity. This will allow us to identify incorporate what’s important within
inequities in how WISe works based their unique cultural norms, in their
on those factors and make training or own language.
program adjustments to reduce and
eliminate those disparities. Finally, having a tool to utilize within
WISe that individualizes the collection
will often prematurely terminate We know that similarly to national and WISe and Tribes Curriculum Adaptation of data is a step in a positive direction
services because their experiences local health equity data, disparities Work Project is one such project where as census data has been showing
were not believed, nor validated and do exist within WISe, and evidence we see the positive impacts of being us that the population is becoming
assumptions were made about them indicates that healthcare professionals culturally relevant and other-centered. increasingly diverse. In Washington state
due to aspects of their identity exhibit the same levels of implicit Where those from the tribal community the Diversity Index went up more than
(Locklear, SELF). bias, discrimination, microaggressions, are providing their knowledge and

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SYSTEMIC IMPACTS ON MENTAL HEALTH
DISPARITIES FOR BIPOC COMMUNITIES

10%, from 45.5% in 2010 to 55.9% in 2020

(census.gov). As a result, the number
of adults, youth, and families in need
of social and health services is also
increasing, which makes it even more
imperative that we address and focus on
ethnic and racial disparities impacting
the youth and families we serve. Despite
wide knowledge of such trends, goals
to achieve benchmarks for increasing
culturally responsive services and
reducing racial disparities in social and
health services continue to fall short
despite an increase in efforts to address
them. The lack of attention to the
mental and behavioral health needs of
racial and ethnic communities and the
inadequate provision of culturally and
linguistically appropriate mental health
care demonstrates a clear need for
encouraging collaboration and finding
ways to close the gap in care (apa.org).

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OVERVIEW OF CULTURALLY RELEVANT
DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

By bringing the focus specifically on expanding our understanding of the culturally

relevant principle, we hope to do just that. First, let’s start with a shared definition
and understanding of culture, cultural humility, and culturally relevant:

WHAT IS CULTURE?
• Culture is defined by a community or society.
• It structures the way people view the world.
• It involves a particular set of beliefs, norms, and values concerning the nature
of relationships, the way people live their lives, and the way people organize
their environments.
• A common heritage and history that is passed from one generation to the next.
• Shared values, beliefs, customs, behaviors, traditions, institutions, arts,
folklore, and lifestyle.
• Similar relationship and socialization patterns.
• A common pattern or style of communication or language.
• Geographic location of residence (e.g., country; community; urban, suburban,
or rural location).
• Patterns of dress and diet (SAMHSA).

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OVERVIEW OF CULTURALLY RELEVANT
DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

WHAT IS CULTURAL HUMILITY? (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998)

• A lifelong process of self-reflection and self-critique whereby the individual not
only learns about another’s culture, but one starts with an examination of her/his
own beliefs and cultural identities.
• Beliefs about race, ethnicity, class, religion, immigration status, gender roles, age,
linguistic capability, and sexual orientation are explored.
• Having awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences that exist between you
and others.
• Being flexible and humble enough to acknowledge when you do not know
and searching for and accessing resources to enhance your ability to care for
diverse individuals.
• Working to address and reset the power imbalance between the practitioner
and client.
• Developing mutually beneficial and non-paternalistic partnerships with
communities on behalf of individuals and defined populations.
• Accepting institutional accountability.

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OVERVIEW OF CULTURALLY RELEVANT
DEFINITIONS AND TERMS

WHAT DOES BEING CULTURALLY RELEVANT LOOK LIKE IN WISe?

• Applicability of mental health practices or programs to one’s own ethnicity,
social status, gender, religion, home, community environment, and/or personal
experiences and resources that reflect the culture, values, customs, and beliefs
of clients.
• Cultural relevance is the ability to relate effectively to individuals from various
groups and backgrounds.
• Cultural relevance within the behavioral health system must be a guiding principle,
so that services are culturally sensitive and provide culturally appropriate
prevention, outreach, assessment, and intervention.
• Cultural relevance recognizes the broad scope of the dimensions that influence
an individual’s personal identity. WISe practitioners and service providers should
be familiar with how these areas interact within, between and among individuals.
These dimensions include:
• race
• ethnicity
• language
• sexual orientation
• gender
• age
• ability
• class/socioeconomic status
• education
• religious/spiritual orientation (Temple U.)

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HOW WE CAN STRENGTHEN CULTURAL RELEVANCE
IN WISe TO SERVE BIPOC COMMUNITIES

The WISe Practice Model Washington behavioral health needs and their Practicing cultural relevance, one must
State’s Wraparound with Intensive families. We are taught to be intentional practice cultural humility. Cultural
Services (WISe) began implementation in in maintaining the integrity of the WISe humility is other-oriented because it
2014 as a result of the T.R. et al. v. Kevin practice model by understanding and focuses on self-humility rather than
Quigley and Dorothy Teeter Settlement adhering to the six phases and ten being an other-directed “they/them”
Agreement. WISe is designed to provide principles. These SOC values are meant way of achieving a state of knowledge
intensive support and services to to be family driven and youth guided, or awareness. It’s a commitment for
assist youth and families in achieving community based and culturally and active awareness of one’s own cultural
wellness and safety, and to strengthen linguistically appropriate. They are what worldview, attitude towards cultural
communities. WISe uses a team-based WISe is based upon, these phases and differences, and development of cross-
approach to providing services and is principles intended to serve as guide to cultural knowledge and skills. How
available to youth under age 21 who are practitioners who also utilize their own we were brought up and the culture
eligible for Medicaid. The goal of WISe expertise from their prospective roles. in which we were raised impact our
is for eligible youth to live and thrive All to assist youth and families that behaviors, attitudes, and values. In turn,
in their homes and communities, as voluntarily participate in the program The WISe Manual explains the principle our own thoughts and beliefs affect how
well as to avoid or reduce costly and to live, thrive, and remain in their of Culturally Relevant as, “Services are we understand and communicate with
disruptive out-of-home placements. communities while attaining their stated culturally relevant and provided with others. With a foundation in cultural
WISe is now statewide as of June 30, wellness goals. respect for the values, preferences, humility, we must develop our own
2018. The purpose of this program is to beliefs, culture, and identity of the awareness of what we bring to our
assist in maintaining consistency across With the SOC values and Washington participant/youth and family and their interactions and our work with diverse
Washington State’s service-delivery State Children’s Behavioral Health community.” However, It is necessary individuals in order to better serve the
system for providing intensive mental Principles guides the implementation to broaden our understanding of this communities we work with.
health services, in home and community of WISe providing the foundation principle in order to address and
settings, to Medicaid eligible youth for the practice model and clinical reduce the disparities communities We as WISe practitioners should be
(wisewc.com). delivery of intensive services. The of color experience. Doing so will also intentional in our understanding
ten principles are: Family and Youth improve access to services, reduce of the effects of systemic racism,
One of many strengths of WISe is that Voice and Choice, Team Based, Natural barriers, and improve quality of care. discrimination, stigma and bias that
practitioners are taught the System of Supports, Collaboration, Home and When we are not culturally relevant have led to and sustained health
Care (SOC) values designed to provide Community-based, Culturally Relevant, there can be negative health outcomes disparities for BIPOC youth and families,
comprehensive behavioral health Individualized, Strength Based, and potentially fatal consequences, as well as the effects of racial and
services and support to Medicaid Outcome-based, and Unconditional including low referral rates, poor or historical trauma, fears and mistrust
eligible individuals who are twenty (WISe Manual). misdiagnosis, inadequate service they may have in the mental health
years of age or younger, with complex delivery, disparate treatment, etc. system. We hope to empower BIPOC

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HOW WE CAN STRENGTHEN CULTURAL RELEVANCE
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youth and families during their time community there’s the stigma, you
in WISe to better take control of their know, just go to church just pray about
health outcomes and be the leaders/ it, things like that. So, we have to really
writers of their own path of recovery. tackle all of these different things at a
community and a cultural level” (Ashley
“Destigmatizing mental illness is a goal McGirt, author, Mental Health Therapist).
throughout the healthcare industry,
but especially in minority communities We will never reach a complete
where it may carry the extra stigma understanding of another’s culture.
of people believing treatment isn’t Rather, we must continually strive to
available. There’s this myth that mental learn, acknowledge, and be responsive
health treatment isn’t available or isn’t to the youth and family’s culture.
accessible to BIPOC communities, which Although these important conversations
essentially has been the reality. We also can be uncomfortable for some, as
have to recognize the inherent racism WISe practitioners we need to get
that has been embedded in the mental comfortable with being uncomfortable.
health system. When we look at the It is our responsibility to educate
founding fathers (of mental health) all ourselves and be aware of the effects
of these people are predominantly white of systemic racism, discrimination,
male or white female and we’re using microaggressions, colorism, bias,
their evidence-based practices to treat historical trauma, fears, and health
people of color. So, clinicians like myself disparities in our community mental
have to really get creative and apply health system. We must ask how we
these principles that were not made for can advocate and seek change and
people of color, but we’re expected to understand how these influences
treat people of color. So that’s where affect the practitioner-youth and
the stigma lies and then and the black family interaction.

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INTEGRATING CULTURALLY RELEVANT
PRINCIPLE INTO WISe PHASES

The six phases of WISe are Engagement, Assessing, Teaming, Service Planning and Implementation, Monitoring and Adapting,
and Transition. The following discusses each of the WISe phases and an enhanced focus on highlighting the need for cultural
responsiveness via the context of culture and implementing culturally relevant practices at each phase for BIPOC youth
and families.

ENGAGEMENT PG. 12

ASSESSING PG. 14

TEAMING PG. 15

SERVICE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION PG. 17

MONITORING AND ADAPTING PG. 19

TRANSITION PG. 20

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ENGAGEMENT
Engagement is the process that lays the groundwork for building trusting
relationships and a shared vision among members of the Child and Family Team that
includes the family, natural supports and individuals representing formal support
systems in which the youth is involved. Team members, including the family, are
oriented to the WISe process. Discussions about the youth’s and the youth and
family’s strengths and needs set the stage for collaborative teamwork within the
Washington State Children’s
When receiving services in 2014 for Behavioral Health principles
depression and suicidal thoughts, I ended (WISe manual).
up in a crisis center speaking with a counselor in
It is critical to
Tri-Cities. Some issues that I had were: I was not
understanding the
being taken seriously as a youth, my story was not
importance of family history
being heard by the counselor, and it was hard to find
in engagement. According to
a counselor who was the same ethnicity as me, or
Professor Burgess, he states
being able to relate to someone that looked like me
that whatever its biological
with a similar experience.
inheritance from its parents
Each youth and family engaging in WISe has its unique culture, traditions, habits,
Maria Nuñez, Youth Peer, SPARK Executive Director and other ancestors, the
practices, and values. It’s who the family is. It’s critical that we take extra steps to ask
child receives also from
the right questions to gain the necessary information needed to support them. As
them a heritage of attitudes, sentiments, and ideals which may be termed the family
research and shared stories of individuals engaging in services revealed that BIPOC
tradition, or the family culture.
youth and families compared to their counterparts often are not taken as seriously
Sometimes, family traditions are associated with practices and beliefs which are when it comes to their mental health and the struggles that they are experiencing.
handed over from one generation to the next, and during this process of transmission For BIPOC communities there is a lot of intersectionality, so we are often experiencing
they acquire an aura of spirituality. Transmission of any set of such family traditions, compound mental health concerns and challenges. Unfortunately, recent reports
acquiring spiritual significance, is largely an intuitive phenomenon, and the flow of on the effectiveness of WISe does not explicitly break down the BIPOC youth and
family traditions continue without any intention, and the same continue to move on families’ areas of needs and that’s a cause for concern (Mental Health America).
from one generation to another. Family traditions for most families remain largely
The reality is that once clients are in contact with a treatment program, they stand on
confined to family members, but sometimes, outsiders may also be associated with a
the far side of a yet-to-be-established therapeutic relationship. It is up to counselors
particular family’s family traditions (Ernest W. Burgess, Professor of Sociology at the
and other staff members to bridge the gap. Handshakes, facial expressions, greetings,
University of Chicago).

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and small talk are simple gestures that establish a first impression and begin building As WISe practitioners we must be aware that multicultural groups are diverse not
the therapeutic relationship. Involving one’s whole being in a greeting—thought, only in their beliefs and expectations, but also in their assumptions about what the
body, attitude, and spirit—is most engaging. As fifty percent of racially and ethnically clinician can do for them (Katz & Alegría, 2009). Individuals seeking help may possess
diverse clients end treatment or counseling after one visit with a mental health diverse views of what matters most to them as compared to the provider, which may
practitioner (Sue and Sue 2013e). At the outset of treatment, clients can feel scared, result in a lack of shared problem definition between the individual and the provider
vulnerable, and uncertain about whether treatment will really help. The initial (Suurmond & Seeleman, 2006), increasing the potential for misaligned treatment
meeting is often the first encounter clients have with the treatment system, so it approaches” (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
is vital that they leave feeling hopeful and understood. Paniagua (1998) describes
how, if a counselor lacks sensitivity and It is also important to understand the history and context of social service
jumps to premature conclusions, the organizations, roots in systemic oppression and racism, built to assimilate
first visit can become the last communities of color to white standards. The evidence of this can be seen in the
(Engage Clients). disproportionate rates children of color have been removed from their homes and
taken to foster care. In 2017, Nationwide American Indian/Alaska Native children were
Research by NCBI revealed that overrepresented in foster care at 2.7 times more than their proportion in the general
disorder, disease, and healing may population. Whereas white children were underrepresented at a rate of 0.8 times
manifest differently in different cultures lower (National Indian Child Welfare Association, Disproportionality Table).
(Kleinman, Eisenberg, & Good, 2006).
The decision to use medications CULTURALLY SPECIFIC STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER
(Snowden & Yamada, 2004) and help- FOR ENGAGEMENT
seeking behaviors (Snowden & Yamada, 2004) are partly driven by culture. We also
know that some children can be misdiagnosed because screening instruments and 1. Understand that Culture has an impact on symptom presentation
diagnostic criteria are often developed by (and for) the majority culture; that is, 2. Paying attention to diverse cultural health beliefs and practices
the culture of the majority of providers and health systems, not necessarily of the
3. Preferred languages Interpreters and translated materials will be used for non-
majority of the population in many communities (Dressler & Badger, 1985; Huang,
English speaking clients as well as those who speak English but prefer materials in
Chung, Kroenke, Delucchi, & Spitzer, 2006; Vega & Rumbaut, 1991). These facts suggest
their primary language.
that cultural differences may play a critical role in the individual’s recognition of
mental illness and the provider’s detection of the mental illness including the 4. Health literacy and other communication needs of all sub-populations identified
perception and intensity of stigma associated with mental health help-seeking
behavior and the understanding of what might be considered mental health disorder
requiring appropriate mental health services (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
NBK248423/).

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ASSESSING As WISe practitioners it is vital that

we understand that when BIPOC
treatment providers and modalities
for each client. Moreover, it involves
Information gathering and assessing communities of color are intertwined identifying culturally relevant concerns
needs is the practice of gathering and and combined with the larger and issues that should be addressed to
evaluating information about the youth community as a whole, it does not improve the client’s recovery process
and family, which includes gathering and acknowledge or speak to the specific (NCBI).
assessing strengths as well as assessing trauma, discrimination, and bias that
the underlying needs. Assessing also people of color experience. The right CULTURALLY SPECIFIC
includes determining the capability, questions need to be asked in assessing STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER:
willingness, and availability of resources to gather accurate data from youth and
for achieving safety, permanence, and families living in BIPOC communities to 1. Slow down.
well-being of youth (WISe manual). gather real insight into what’s working 2. Use plain, non-clinical language.
3. Consider showing or drawing pictures.
Our journey began in 1980 when my youngest son was 3 months old. His
biological mother was a “speed baller”(heroin & cocaine mixed). He was born 4. Limit the amount of information
addicted & experienced withdrawals the first weeks of his life. He also experienced provided at one time.
some neurological damage as well as damage basically to the transmitters & 5. Create a shame-free environment
receptors in his brain. When he started exhibiting some challenging behaviors, he and not when seeking support for that encourages questions and
was given many labels ADHD, ODD, OCD, etc. and started prescribing pharmaceuticals mental health challenges and concerns. participation” (NCBI).
not taking into consideration his biological mother’s drug addiction & poor prenatal
“To provide culturally responsive 6. Offers clinical staff guidance in
care. The assumption was he was an African American/Caucasian/Native American
evaluation and treatment planning, providing and facilitating culturally
child; therefore, the diagnosis and pharmaceuticals prescribed were sufficient.”
counselors and programs must responsive interviews, assessments,
“Our early encounters with the mental health system were ok, yet I did not feel understand and incorporate relevant evaluations, and treatment planning”
heard and felt the judgment from provider folks. So many assumptions were made cultural factors into the process while (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
about us because folks assumed because I was of mixed race & my son was as well, avoiding a stereotypical or “one- NBK248423/).
that I was on public assistance/welfare and/or into “street life.” When in fact I was size-fits-all” approach to treatment.
Cultural responsiveness in planning and For additional tools see Culturally
gainfully employed, working two jobs to be precise. One challenge we experienced is
evaluation entails being open minded, Specific Guide Toolkit
being ‘judged’ for our decision-making process which cascaded into offending Tribal
Elders, automatically assuming gang affiliation when my son spray painted his initials asking the right questions, selecting
on a bathroom stall door, just as his older brother did. appropriate screening and assessment
instruments, and choosing effective
Jeanette K Barnes, WA State Parent Peer Trainer

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TEAMING Something I experienced in the system

Teaming is a process that brings actually really wasn’t in the system since
together individuals agreed I had no choice, being in jail was mandatory.
upon by the youth and family My story comes from working in the system
who are committed to them afterwards, from one of many incidents at
through informal, formal and Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) where a staff
community support and service member first of all asked me the first time
relationships. Where medically meeting with me, what gang I used to be in?
necessary and/or with cross The second time I was calling in to speak with a
system involvement, a formal client from the WISe program and they told me
Child and Family Team will be that I don’t work for the WISe program and hung
used (WISe manual). up in my face! I believe that if I wasn’t a person
of color, that I wouldn’t have been talked to that
Incorporating culturally relevant way. What I believe the system could’ve done to
WISe practices, BIPOC families fix that is making an environment first of all in
exercise choice over the services the hiring and interview process by letting them
they receive, and may elect, know that that will not be tolerated. Because of
for example, culture-based the confidence that was displayed, it just let me
parent education, coping and know that he thought that his organization, in
social skills training for youth his system would back him more than it would
embedded in cultural activities, back me. Unfortunately, in a lot of incidents he In WISe it’s important that we seek out staff from the BIPOC communities to have
and counseling from culturally would be correct. people from all different backgrounds with various perspectives and voices to
and linguistically matched be a part of the workforce. This will not only diversify the team’s knowledge,
staff members. They may also Tyus Reed, Youth Peer understanding, and experience. There will also be an increased probability of our
request the use of flex funds for youth and families having stronger connections with WISe practitioners that come
healing ceremonies and other cultural activities, as well as access to peer support from similar backgrounds and can relate to their cultural experiences. Although no
from members of their cultural group. Additionally, it is important to have a cultural two experiences are the same, there are many benefits to BIPOC youth and families.
competence coordinator and a cultural competence subcommittee of the governance
body at each agency that offers WISe to ensure that these types of services and One way communities are enhancing their teams and supports to particular cultural
supports are available, and that they address the needs of participants. communities is to create Culturally Specific Organizations.

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WHAT IS A CULTURALLY SPECIFIC ORGANIZATION? BENEFITS OF CULTURALLY SPECIFIC ORGANIZATIONS:

While there is not one clear definition of a culturally specific organization, states and • Lived experience and intimate knowledge of the community.
communities seem to view such agencies by a defined set of standards that • Have multiple formal and informal channels for meaningful
may include: community engagement.
• The agency may have The experiences I had with counselors at the • Feedback and communication channels within the cultural norms, practices, values,
a founding mission crisis center were not positive experiences and beliefs of the community.
statement that is and it got to the point where I no longer wanted to be • Reflect the positive cultural identity and resilience of the community.
aligned with a diverse a part of them. It wasn’t until 2017 a lady from the DV
community they served. came into my school to speak with me on a situation • Increased cultural responsiveness and decreased bias and racism.

• The agency has that was going on, who was Hispanic as well as had the • Understanding of shared experiences and historical trauma.
intimate knowledge of same lived experience I had. That made it very easy for
me to talk to her and I felt like I was being heard. She Examples of culturally specific strategies and services available in Washington, as
the lived experience of well as successful culturally relevant WISe programs can be found in our toolkit
the community being understood where I was coming from and we were able
to relate to each other. In the beginning when receiving Culturally Specific Guide Toolkit for each phase.
served.
services, I wish I would’ve had the opportunity to meet
• The majority of with a counselor who I could relate to and understand CULTURALLY SPECIFIC STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER IN TEAMING:
people served by the where I was coming from as a Hispanic Youth, where
agency may be from 1. Ensure representation by developing more WISe practitioners who hail from BIPOC
I was able to be heard, taken seriously and who
a particular minority communities, to bring their perspective to treatment.
understood my culture.
group. 2. Having congruence between the service provider and recipient on key demographic
• The agency Maria Nuñez, Youth Peer, SPARK Executive Director factors greatly facilitates implementation.
environment is 3. Training and hiring protocols implemented to support the culture, language, and
culturally focused and identified as such by those the agency provides services for. literacy levels of all subpopulations.
• Prevalence of bicultural and/or bilingual staff in the agency reflects the community 4. Promote understanding amongst team members to fight stereotypes; get to know
that it serves. the cultures represented.
• The agency has been successful in community engagement and involvement within
For additional tools see Culturally Specific Guide Toolkit
the community being served.
• The board, leadership and staff reflect the community being served.
• The community being served widely recognizes the agency as culturally-specific.

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SERVICE PLANNING choice in the option of culture-based

services. If these services are not readily
AND IMPLEMENTATION available, they need to be created.
Service planning is the practice of
tailoring supports and services unique SOME KEY ASPECTS TO BE
to each youth and family to address MINDFUL OF:
unmet needs. The plan specifies the • Ability to select culturally-matched
goals, roles, strategies, resources, family partners, facilitators, and
and timeframes for coordinated clinicians for targeted cultural
implementation of supports and communities (e.g., Native American,
services for the youth, family, and Latino American, Hmong American,
caregivers (WISe manual). and African American);
“How do counselors and organizations • Mental health, family partner, and
respond culturally to the diverse needs youth peer support, as well as WISe • Cultural-based parenting education cultural communities, where youth
of clients in the treatment planning facilitation, are available in languages groups (e.g., Positive Indian Parenting, staff serve as mentors devising
process? How effective are culturally families understand (e.g., Hmong, Southeast Asian Parent Education, Los activities that honor the local cultures
adaptive treatment goals? (For a review, Spanish, and English). Niños Bien Educados, and Effective (Palmer-2.6-culture-based-wrap.pdf).
see Bernal and Domenech Rodriguez Black Parenting)
• Inclusion of cultural leaders within In sum, WISe clinicians need to
2012.) Typically, programs that provide WISe teams. • Multicultural events that honor each incorporate culture-based goals and
culturally responsive services approach culture through cultural performances objectives into treatment plans and
treatment goals holistically, including and community convenings (the honor establish and support open client–
objectives to improve physical health of one is the honor of all) counselor dialog to get feedback on the
and spiritual strength (Howard • Flex funds available for cultural and proposed plan’s relevance. Doing so can
2003). Newer approaches stress spiritual activities (e.g., shamans and improve client engagement in treatment
implementation of strength-based healing ceremonies). services, compliance with treatment
strategies that fortify cultural heritage, planning and recommendations,
identity, and resiliency. • Culturally based activities (e.g.,
weekly Native American youth and treatment outcomes” (NCBI).
When services are needed to reach drumming group). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
goals, implementing culture-based WISe NBK248423/
• Multicultural youth program with
requires that families have voice and youth staff hired from the local

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We incorporated drumming,
dancing, talking circles, and
a sweat lodge ceremony for me, then
when Jason was of age, he began
sweat ceremonies with young warriors
in his age group led by Tribal Elders
who taught them Lakota ways. We
incorporated meaningful Powwow
participation as well as finding/
connecting with Tribes in the Northwest
whose ways, ceremonies and traditions
were similar to our Lakota ways, etc.
Everything was written in our plan
in such a way it incorporated and
honored our blended culture. One result
came after we’d experienced 5 not so
successful treatment avenues. We found
success in a Tribal Treatment Program
that addressed my son at his ancestral
spiritual levels. He was successful and
he stays connected to some of the staff
he built relationships with.
Jeanette K Barnes,
WA State Parent Peer Trainer
1. Utilizing culturally based practices: specific demographic information to 4. Location is an important
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC The youth and families, customs, assist with implementation. consideration. CFT and other meetings
STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER behaviors, values, and beliefs passed 3. Having flexibility that allows WISe are carried out in places where BIPOC
IN SERVICE PLANNING AND down through generations that practitioners to adjust, customize and youth and families feel safe and are
IMPLEMENTATION: function as “informal systems individualize supports and services to most accessible to them.
of support.” meet the needs of specific racial and For additional tools see Culturally
2. Having agreement between the ethnic groups while maintaining the Specific Guide Toolkit
service provider, youth, and family on integrity of WISe.

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MONITORING AND ADAPTING appropriate, should draw upon the institutions and resources of clients’ cultural
communities. Culturally responsive treatment planning is achieved through active
Monitoring and adapting is the practice of evaluating the effectiveness of the plan, listening and should consider client values, beliefs, and expectations. Client health
assessing circumstances and resources, and reworking the plan as needed. The team beliefs and treatment preferences (e.g., purification ceremonies for Native American
is responsible for reassessing the needs, applying knowledge gained through ongoing clients) should be incorporated in addressing specific presenting problems. Some
assessments, and adapting the plan in a timely manner (WISe manual). people seek help for psychological concerns and substance abuse from alternative
sources (e.g., clergy, elders, social supports). Others prefer treatment programs that
As youth and Destiny’s foster care case manager and ICWA use principles and approaches specific to their cultures. Counselors can suggest
families from the caseworker were able to successfully enroll her in appropriate traditional treatment resources to supplement clinical treatment
BIPOC community the new culturally specific school for AI/AN youth. Once activities.” (NCBI) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK248423/
initiate engagement Destiny began, she immediately began to get involved in
in the WISe program all kinds of cultural programs and activities. She especially
it’s important that excelled in regalia dress making, traditional Native American CULTURALLY SPECIFIC STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER IN MONITORING
WISe practitioners art, and learning her Tribe’s language where she was AND ADAPTING:
take an other- partnered with AI/AN Elders that were her teachers. One of 1. Having flexibility that allows WISe practitioners to adjust, customize and
centered stance the dresses received an award where her teacher said “I’ve individualize supports and services to meet the needs of specific racial and ethnic
view of culture. never seen so much talent in a teen. It usually takes years groups while maintaining the integrity of WISe.
That is the ability to and years to get where she already is!
2. Address BIPOC youth and families varying challenges and barriers to participation
be aware of other
(From A Culturally Relevant and Specific Wraparound Story) and engagement.
people’s cultures
and be more mindful 3. Be open and teachable.
of the differences among others that we need to consider in all aspects of life. 4. Being intentional that the Cross-System Collaboration WISe provider agencies
required to collaborate come from the youth and families identified cultural
Here the NCBI states treatment planning is a dynamic process that evolves along
background and community and as indicated by youth and family choice.
with an understanding of the clients’ histories and treatment needs. Foremost,
counselors should be mindful of each client’s linguistic requirements and the For additional tools see Culturally Specific Guide Toolkit
availability of interpreters (for more detail on interpreters, see Chapter 4). Counselors
should be flexible in designing treatment plans to meet client needs and, when

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TRANSITION transition is continual across all phases

of the WISe process in that preparation
The successful transition away from for transition is apparent even during
formal supports can occur as informal the initial engagement activities (Walker
supports are in place and providing et al., 2004), though it culminates in
needed support. Transition to phase 6. Successful transition requires
activities and a plan for the
environments I worked with first year and first- family to cope
consistent with generation college students as a peer with compound
the principle of adviser and being the first year, and first- stressors that
treatment at the generation college students can be daunting. may occur after
least restrictive These students often find it difficult to access the formal
level and the resources because they do not know how WISe process
system values to go about how to access resources out of is no longer
of recovery and sight. WISe and its providers working with available.
resilience minority groups should employ measures Though families
(WISe manual). that prepare peers and families to transition have acquired
after recovery. These Phases found in WISe problem-solving
During this practice, if continued and improved upon skills and
phase, plans within cultural relevance as a core approach learned how to
are made for in providing services for Peers and families, work effectively
a purposeful would drive recovery and maintenance as a team with
transition after treatment. their formal,
from formal
informal,
wraparound to Malachi Chukwu, Certified Peer Counselor,
and natural
a mix of formal Graduate Research Assistant
supports, their For BIPOC communities, culture-based with other BIPOC families in their
and natural Washington State University.
skills may have WISe practices help in building and community (e.g., culturally-matched
supports in
not been put to sustaining community supports. Culture- parenting groups, culture specific parent
the community
the test. Often, the most challenging and based WISe practices, support and education programs, multicultural youth
(and, if appropriate, to services and
difficult task for transitioning families services help BIPOC families create a activities, and multicultural family
supports in the adult system). It is
is to sustain formal, informal and community by providing opportunities activities). Youth and families continue
important to note that the focus on
natural supports. for families to develop friendships to participate in these activities even

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after successful transition from WISe, team members, and lessons learned
which helps to maintain cultural about strategies that worked well and
connections (Palmer-2.6-culture-based- those that did not work so well.
wrap.pdf). The CFT prepares/reviews necessary
final reports (e.g., to court or
participating providers).
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC
STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER 4. Include identified youth, family
DURING TRANSITION: and extended family in celebration
or graduation
1. The CFT creates cultural specific
strategies within the CSCP for a 5. The CFT is encouraged to create
purposeful exit out of WISe to a mix of and/or participate in a culturally
possible formal and natural supports appropriate “commencement”
in the community (and, if appropriate, celebration that is meaningful, to
to services and supports in the the youth, family, extended family
adult system). and team, that recognizes their
2. Be connected to ongoing culturally accomplishment
relevant supports and services For additional tools see Culturally
throughout WISe and as they make Specific Guide Toolkit
adaptations to transition out within
their own communities.
3. The WISe Practitioner(s) guide the CFT
in creating a document that describes
the strengths of the youth, family, and

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MOVING FORWARD

This guide is a positive first step towards the commitment and needed continuation
we as WISe practitioners must have beyond traditional health care when working
alongside individuals within the BIPOC community. We’ve long since known that it is
essential that all aspects of mental health systems be reflective of the diversity of
the communities that they serve and that mental health agencies strive to become
and remain culturally and linguistically competent. A culturally and linguistically
competent mental health system incorporates skills, attitudes, and policies to ensure
that it is effectively addressing the needs of consumers and families with diverse
values, beliefs, in addition to backgrounds that vary by race, ethnicity, religion, and
language. (Healthcare Disparities Among Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color-
MHA) We are definitely on the road and are beginning to understand the commitment
necessary to reach the destination, but we as WISe practitioners must become
intentional about acting to support a culturally relevant approach to addressing the
mental health needs of BIPOC individuals. Whether you as a practitioner identify as
a member of these communities or see the need to be a stronger ally and advocate,
this guide can assist you as it brings focus to the unique needs, barriers and strengths
of BIPOC youth and families participating in WISe, along with the Culturally Specific
Guide Toolkit .

We hope that as WISe practitioners we will walk away with a better sense of what it
means to be culturally relevant, as we practice from a place of cultural humility with
a willingness to learn how to effectively provide culturally specific supports, services,
and resources.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, IDEAS, OR SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US AT

[email protected] OR [email protected]

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CREDITS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
We would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their important
contributions that assisted in making this guide:

Lead Contributor: Krystal Livingston, CPC, Trainer. Mentor. Coach

Misti Turner

Casteele Williams and Associates

Jeanette K Barnes

Maria Nuñez

Malachi Chukwu

Tyus Reed

Mark Zubaty

Selena Webster-Bass, MPH, Voices Institute

Dan Embree

Tina Burrell

Paul Davis

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BIPOC GUIDE SOURCES

2018 Social & Economic Sciences Research Center (SESRC) survey of children and youth, and their caregivers

Locklear (SELF)

apa.org

Mental Health America

Healthcare Disparities Among Black, Indigenous, And People Of Color

National Indian Child Welfare Association, Disproportionality Table

WISe Manual

Engage Clients (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK248423/)

(Palmer-2.6-culture-based-wrap.pdf)

Ashley McGirt, author, Mental Health Therapist.

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53

https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/wise-18-summary-report-final.pdf

Hook, J.N. (2013). Cultural Humility: Measuring openness to culturally diverse clients. Journal of Counseling Psychology

SAHMSA

NWI: Implementing Culture Based Wraparound, Scott Palmer, Tang Judy Vang, Gary Bess, Harold Baize, Kurt Moore, Alva De La Torre,
Simone Simpson, Kim Holbrook, Daedalys Wilson, & Joyce Gonzales

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