Cultural and Linguistic Competence (CLC) is a core component of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and should be incorporated throughout all operations. BBI practices call for engagement with youth and their families according to the cultural context and linguistic needs of the family to ensure that interventions are appropriate and sustainable in the home environment. Upholding CLC also requires an understanding and honoring of the community groups to which youth belong, as well as encouragement for youth to maintain strong relationships within these communities.
Part of the unique culture of a BBI program is that policies and procedures are structured in a way that cross-cultural work between program staff and youth and families result in positive outcomes for all populations served. This requires intentional work not only at the individual staff level, but at the program’s institutional core as well. The Texas Building Bridges Initiative invites programs to learn more about CLC best practices and how the value of CLC supports service delivery goals.