15 Enhanced CLAS Standards
The Office of Minority Health (OMH), under the auspices of the Department of Health and Human Services, released standards for culturally competent healthcare in 2001. In 2011, the Community Alliance for CLAS convened an advisory board to help draft CLAS standards specifically for use in the California AOD field. These standards and associated checklists were approved by the California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs (ADP, now DHCS) in early 2012, and updated by the Office of Minority Health (OMH) in 2013. The new, enhanced standards are intended for use in the treatment provision for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery organizations. The CA-CLAS contract is dedicated to increasing the capacity of these organizations to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
15 Enhanced CA CLAS Standards and Recommendations
Cultural Competence in Substance Abuse Treatment, Policy Planning, and Program Development
The books, articles and research studies in this bibliography provide background reading in cultural competency and will discuss what constitutes as culturally competent treatment, why it is an important component of counseling, and implications for program development, administration and policy planning. Our hope is that it will stimulate professionals to examine effective and appropriate ways to serve diverse clients in substance abuse treatment programs.
Online Trainings and Program Assessment Tools
Culturally competent theory and practice have been substantially integrated into many aspects of the mental health care system. The early embrace of cultural competence by the mental health care field makes it a model for the alcohol and other drugs field. We offer a select bibliography of works from the mental health field which consider how cultural competence principles can guide approaches to trauma and loss and children’s mental health.
Provider Manuals and Best Practices Recommendations
Alcohol and other drug services that meet cultural competence standards are knowledgeable about the specific cultural and linguistic needs of the client. Building capacity for culturally and linguistically competent care often means learning the practices and beliefs of cultures with which we are not familiar.
Tools and Resources
Find assessments and guidelines developed for substance use and mental health organizations to evaluate their own cultural competence. Research your own community demographics by county or zip code. Find referrals for substance use services by zip code or treatment need.
New and Emerging Trends in Cultural Competence
Topical research on issues of particular interest to the substance abuse and mental health fields. This feature is regularly updated, and is designed to respond to the interests of the field.
National and Government Program Contacts
This page lists further resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery professionals. On this page you will find links to relevant national programs, research institutes, and government programs that may offer further support for culturally and linguistically appropriate service provision within the substance use and mental health fields.
