Implementing CLAS Standards to Advance Equity in Client Services

This advanced training is essential for those in leadership, supervisory and frontline service roles who are interested in solutions for advancing equity and inclusion in client services. The national CLAS (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services) Standards provide a valuable framework for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in client services. CLAS Standards require effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful quality care and services that are responsive to needs of culturally and linguistically diverse communities. This training will enhance agencies’ abilities to meet the needs of people of diverse cultural, religious, racial, and linguistic backgrounds, disability status, socioeconomic status, genders, and sexual orientations.

Part I

• Community Agreements for respectful engagement
• Defining health equity
• Data on health inequities
• Overview of CLAS Standards
• The History of Bias in Mental Health Services
• Practices to ensure communication access
• Accessibility basics and best practices
• Trauma informed practices
• Cultural humility and cultural competence 

Part II

• Creating CLASy mission statements
• Data sources to identify CLAS strengths, gaps, needs and priorities
• Ethics of serving marginalized communities of which you are not a member
• Building coalitions and committees for CLASy decision making and accountability
• Pitfalls to avoid when advancing equity in client services
• Conducting a CLAS Self Assessment
• Developing SMARTIE goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timebound, Inclusive and Equitable)
• Developing a CLAS Strategic Workplan