Toward a Theory of Cultural Competence in Transcultural Parenting: The Role of Cultural Receptivity

Abstract

ABSTRACT There is a dire need to place the disproportionate number of minority foster children with successful foster families. Because there are more minority foster children than minority foster parents, we suggest placing children with qualified families despite differences in racial, ethnic, or cultural backgrounds. We propose a conceptual model for transcultural parenting that accounts for cultural differences and emphasizes the importance of equipping foster parents with training to preserve children's birth heritages and help them thrive in dual worlds. We address how essential it is for agencies to assess foster parents' cultural receptivity, that is, their openness to participate in activities that stimulate children's cultural development. We suggest a theoretical framework that integrates cultural receptivity and culturally competent transcultural parenting.