What is Cultural Competence?

Cultural competence comprises behaviors, attitudes, and policies that can come together on a continuum that will ensure that a system, agency, program, or individual can function effectively and appropriately in diverse cultural interaction and settings.   It ensures an understanding, appreciation, and respect of cultural differences and similarities within, among and between groups.  Cultural competence is a goal that a system, agency, program or individual continually aspires to achieve.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services