This training provides advocates with a deeper understanding of how culture, identity, values, beliefs, traditions, communication styles, and life experiences can influence how children and youth understand themselves and interact with others. Participants will explore cultural differences, youth culture, implicit and explicit bias, stereotyping, prejudice, adultism, and the impact these factors can have on children and families.

The training emphasizes the importance of approaching each child as an individual rather than making assumptions based on race, ethnicity, appearance, gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity. Participants will learn strategies for practicing cultural humility, remaining curious and nonjudgmental, recognizing strengths, and creating inclusive and supportive environments.

Additionally, the training addresses racial and ethnic identity development and the importance of helping children maintain meaningful connections to their culture, language, traditions, family, community, and heritage. Participants will explore practical ways caregivers and advocates can support healthy identity development, address bias and discrimination, engage in culturally responsive conversations, and help youth feel a sense of belonging while honoring their individual experiences and identities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Identify how culture, identity, values, beliefs, traditions, and life experiences influence a child or youth’s behaviors, communication, relationships, and sense of self.
• Recognize the impact of implicit and explicit bias, stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, and adultism on children, youth, families, and service delivery.
• Apply culturally responsive and strength-based approaches that promote inclusion, equity, curiosity, and respect for each child’s individual identity and experiences.
• Describe the importance of racial, ethnic, and cultural identity development and the potential impact of separation from a child’s family, heritage, language, and community.
• Develop practical strategies for helping children and youth maintain meaningful connections to their culture, traditions, community, and heritage while creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments.