(Feb 2023) Multicultural Sensitivity in Corrections

Cross cultural barriers can impede the development of an effective helping relationship. Unmanaged cultural differences can contribute to how services are terminated prematurely by service users in the corrections setting. Or they can lead to a helping relationship that is mainly organized by service users’ obligations to the system. Such differences are typically experienced in difficulties in rapport building, how the needs of service users are met, how the understanding of service users’ situations is demonstrated, how genuine concern is communicated, and how service users are empowered in their relationships with workers. This workshop will explore the continuum of multicultural sensitivity and the processes involved in developing competence in multicultural sensitivity. Participants will acquire skills and knowledge necessary to enhance multicultural practice, with a focus on corrections specific scenarios.