by, Atiya Mosley, The Child's Advocate, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Before I read Brian Oten’s post Tourist in a Foreign Land, I had already decided to write on cultural competence. When I read his post, I had second thoughts. His post seemingly covered the same topic. However, I decided to share my experience anyway. 

Competence is a term of art for attorneys. According to provision four to the Preamble of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, a lawyer should be competent in all professional functions. Rule 1.1 reminds us that we have a duty of competent representation. When the word cultural is placed in front of competent, a door to the rich world of diverse ideas, beliefs and perspectives opens.     

The Child Welfare League of America defines cultural competency as "the ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, tribes, and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each" (Child Welfare League of America, 2001, Cultural Competence Defined). As a children’s attorney, I am especially interested in making sure that I am competent about my clients in ways that support and empower their self-expression. 

June is Pride month. LGBTQIA+ youth are at higher risk of suicide when they are mistreated or stigmatized by their family and society. At The Child’s Advocate we use our legal tools to provide protections that these youth deserve. Making a choice to identify my pronouns (she/her/hers) is one of the ways I practice cultural competence. It is an easy way to demonstrate respect and to show that I am safe. Isn’t respect what professionalism is all about?