2.1 The purpose of this solicitation is to provide the Cultural Broker (CB) program to eligible families from communities that are experiencing overrepresentation within the Arizona Department of Child Safety (ADCS) a rate of three (3) or higher within specifically identified areas of Arizona. Demographics Out of Home Population Reports 2.2 Initial implementation of the Cultural Broker program will occur in five zip codes (Section 3.12.1) in Maricopa County. Outcomes developed during the implementation phase of this program will assist ADCS in determining the fit and feasibility of continuing or expanding the program. 2.3 The Cultural Broker program is designed to: 2.3.1 Operate as a collaborative partnership between the Department of Child Safety and trusted community partners; 2.3.2 Provide fair and equitable child welfare approaches and connect families to culturally congruent services that help resolve their unmet needs; 2.3.3 Empower families to develop their own strengths and capacities by providing brokering, advocacy, and support to families involved with the Department of Child Safety; 2.3.4 Increase family engagement in child welfare interventions, family participation in child protection work, and family capacity to create and sustain child safety; 2.3.5 Enable families to successfully navigate various government agencies and programs; 2.3.6 Decrease the occurrence of cultural misunderstandings between families and child protection agency caseworkers; 2.3.7 Avoid unnecessary removal of children and increase the likelihood of reunification when removal cannot be avoided; 2.3.8 Improve the well-being of children at risk of abuse or neglect and their families; 2.3.9 Reduce disproportionality and disparities in the child welfare system. 2.4 Family engagement and cultural humility are the core of the Cultural Broker program model and service delivery approach: to lean in, lift up, and connect to the cultural values and beliefs of each family served with respect, regard, and appreciation for their lived experience. The service delivery includes a focus on the family members’ history and experiences as it relates to historical and personal trauma and encourages consideration of how this may impact their current life situation and underlying needs. This includes listening to the family’s story, acknowledging and validating feelings of grief and loss by reflecting and reaffirming what was heard. Conducting home visitations and triaging needs maximizes every opportunity by approaching all interactions with families with openness, without assumptions, and communicating a genuine desire to “learn and know.” This ensures that service delivery is culturally grounded and congruent.
