Beyond Cultural Compency: Navigating Acculturation Challenges with Latinx Families

Author #1

The Latino community has had a tremendous impact on the United States demographics in the last decade. Latino population growth continues to surpass other minority groups as the most rapidly growing ethnic group in the United States. Current forecasts state that by 2060, 111 million citizens of the United States will identify themselves as Latino (U.S. Census Bureau). These numbers strongly suggest a significant Latino presence in the United States and encourage awareness of this minority group and its needs. Despite the rapidly growing population, government findings indicate many shortcomings in the service delivery provided to the Latino population, particularly in healthcare. This highlights the need for systemic improvement due to the many stressors and barriers that Latinos face as U.S. residents. Most notably, acculturative stress challenges this population through exposure to conflicting societal values, cultural norms, and language preference.

Culturally competent practice requires a thorough understanding of the impact that migration and acculturation has had on the family, and how those experiences may affect service delivery. That impact must be understood at every level of practice in order to provide effective interventions that result in effective outcomes.

This presentation addresses the issues experienced by Latino immigrant children and families and provides recommendations for effective practice that consider the effects of migration with a focus on separation and reunification and acculturation on the family. It also addresses implications for policy, practice, research, and education. Although some research has paved the way towards culturally appropriate interventions that demonstrate positive findings, this work is still in its infancy.

Abstract

Growth of the Latino population in the U.S. requires that community stakeholders adapt practices to meet needs of recent immigrants, particularly children coming from underprivileged backgrounds in their country of origin; they’re at increased risk of maltreatment due to stress of migration and acculturation. Providers require an understanding of the impact that migration and acculturation has on families.