AURORA, COLO.— The Denver-Rocky Mountain Association of Black Psychologists will host its Symposium on Culturally Responsive Practices in Behavioral Health, Education, Criminal Justice, and Child Welfare at the Community College of Aurora this Friday, April 24. The event, which will feature professional “training tracks” in criminal justice, child welfare, behavioral health, and education, will be held from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beverly Watts, senior advisor, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will serve as keynote speaker (12:45-1:30 p.m.). Additionally, Jeannie Ritter, Colorado’s First Lady, will offer a welcoming address from 12:30 to 12:45 p.m.

The symposium is targeted to psychologists, psychiatrists, lawyers, law enforcement representatives, teachers, marriage and family counselors, victim advocates, social workers, substance abuse treatment providers, and counselors.

According to symposium organizers, the event will take a look at “culturally responsive practices” in which the multiethnic and multicultural nature of society dictates that professionals develop both the requisite sensitivity and skills to relate well to individuals from outside their own ethnic group (“cultural competence”).

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