A number of general strategies can help professionals to enhance their awareness of and responsiveness to cultural diversity when working with families:

• Be open to learning about a family's cultural beliefs and practices; follow the family's lead, ask questions and engage in thoughtful discussions
• Recognize one's own values, beliefs and behaviours as culture-based and the dynamic that it might set off for oneself and others
• Establish sensitive, responsive rapport with families by: showing sensitivity to challenges and concerns facing new families in Canada; appreciating the dramatic change in economic and social status of new Canadians; being understanding of feelings of grief, loss and homesickness; being alert to indicators of trauma
• Engage in problem solving and negotiation with the family around cultural or racial differences that may be influencing participation, goal setting, priorities and suggested intervention strategies
• Make services fit by adapting program delivery to meet the families' needs

Greey, M. (1994). Honouring Diversity: A cross-cultural approach to infant development for babies with special needs. Toronto: Centennial Infant and Child Centre.

Rogler, L.H., Malgady, R.G., Cosatantino, G., & Blumenthal, R. (1987). What do culturally sensitive mental health services mean? The case of Hispanics. American Psychologist, 42, 565-570.