Certified Prevention Specialist CPS Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key to creating a culturally competent prevention program?

1. Changing a prevention program to adjust to a community's specific characteristics

2. Understanding the geographic layout of the region and how the program fits within it

3. Working with the community, not just for the community, in prevention planning

4. Choosing the right program to fit the community

The correct answer is: Working with the community, not just for the community, in prevention planning

The choice highlighting the importance of working with the community, rather than solely for the community, is essential for creating a culturally competent prevention program. This approach fosters collaboration and builds trust between program facilitators and community members. By involving the community in the planning and implementation processes, practitioners can gain insights into the unique values, beliefs, and needs of the population they are serving. This engagement can lead to more relevant programming, increase community ownership, and ultimately result in more effective prevention efforts. Involving the community also helps to ensure that the strategies used are culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific environment, which is vital for the acceptance and success of the program. It emphasizes the idea that prevention is a shared responsibility, where community voices play an integral role in shaping the interventions designed to address issues that matter to them. Additionally, this approach can help identify local resources and mobilize community assets that can enhance the effectiveness of the prevention efforts.