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Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. Additionally, Hispanic Heritage Month coincides with dates of Latin counties celebrating the anniversary of their independence (September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; September 16 - Mexico; September 18 - Chile; September 21 - Belize).

For the child welfare workforce, this observance holds particular significance, given that these dates are important as cultural celebrations in communities they serve. This month provides a reminder of the critical need for cultural competence in our work, and to understand and respect the diverse backgrounds of the families and children we serve.

Understanding Cultural Context in Child Welfare

As one of the top competencies in the child welfare framework includes cultural responsiveness, recognizing holidays like this are important while working towards this competency. Cultural identity plays a pivotal role in the lives of children and families. For Hispanic and Latino families, cultural values influence how they interact with child welfare systems. Recognizing and honoring these cultural values can enhance the effectiveness of our interventions and help build trust between child welfare professionals and the families they support.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an ideal platform for training and professional development focused on cultural competence. By participating in workshops, engaging with community leaders, and educating ourselves about the history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities, we can better serve the diverse populations that rely on our services.

Addressing Disparities and Building Trust

Hispanic and Latino families can face unique challenges within the child welfare system, including language barriers, immigration/deportation concerns, and potential biases. Despite the overall reductions of children in the foster care system in Minnesota, African American children and children who identified as Hispanic, of any race, were both two times more likely than white children to be in out-of-home care.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on challenges and to commit to addressing disparities. Child welfare professionals can address disparities by working to provide bilingual services/interpreters, engaging community leaders, and respecting the family's cultural values, all of which can lead to better outcomes for both the family and the child welfare system. This is especially true considering most family's likely unfamiliarity with the government's enforcement of laws related to maltreatment.

By fostering an environment of respect and understanding, child welfare professionals can build stronger relationships with Hispanic and Latino families, ensuring that they receive the support they need while preserving their cultural identity.

Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Communities

Ultimately, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of diversity. It is a time to recognize the strengths that Hispanic and Latino cultures bring to our communities and to the children and families within the child welfare system. By embracing and celebrating this diversity, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all families, helping them thrive in the face of adversity.

As we observe Hispanic Heritage Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to cultural competence in child welfare. By doing so, we not only honor the heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities but also strengthen our ability to support the well-being of every child and family we serve.

In addition to this reminder and affirmation, we encourage those working in and around child welfare to use this reminder as an opportunity to grow and consider attending a community event or celebration. Below we have listed regional events in celebration of this holiday in addition to additional learning & support resources.

Metro Twin Cities, Minneapolis, St Paul

  • Gala Latina
    • Thursday, October 3, 5:00-9:00 p.m.
    • Minneapolis Event Center, 212 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
    • Enjoy an evening to celebrate and socialize with more than 500 Latino, business and community leaders and commemorate the impact of Latino leadership and culture in Minnesota. Requires purchase of tickets.
  • Brooklyn Park LatinoFest
    • October 11, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Free Event
    • Community Activity Center, 5600 85th Ave. N.
  • Events to check out next year:

Southeast MN (check out next year!)

Northeast MN

Central MN (check out next year!)

Southwest MN

  • Look for events in your area or local community by connecting with public libraries, community groups, or local community centers to learn more.

Northwest MN

  • Look for events in your area or local community by connecting with public libraries, community groups, or local community centers to learn more.

Online Events

Resources