The Culturally Responsive Social Service Agency: The Application of an Evolving Definition to a Case Study

Most of the attention in the last few decades in the human services field has been on the development of culturally competent practice with little attention to the context of this practice. This analysis and case study focuses on the organizational context of social service practitioners seeking to respond effectively to an increasingly diverse client population. Specific attention is given to the development of a working definition of a culturally responsive social service agency. This definition is used to assess a case study of a public sector county social service agency that has a substantial history in promoting culturally responsive practices. The implications for future management practices are noted in the conclusion.