| Diversity Statement |
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At DFI, we value diversity. We seek to create an environment that is welcoming and inviting to students, clients, faculty and the community we serve. We wish to interact with our students and clients in respectful and understanding ways. We aim to foster in our students the ability to be present with and open to “difference” in their work. We define diversity in congruence with the AAMFT Code of Ethics such that “Marriage and family therapists provide professional assistance to persons without discrimination on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, health status, religion, national origin or sexual orientation.” We add to this diversity of life experience, clinical viewpoints and clinical practice. Thus, as faculty, we model open discussion about differences, oppression, marginalization and clinical approaches in our classes and in supervision. We believe that diversity enriches the fabric of our world. Rationale Our rationale for establishing our diversity statement arises from the fact that Denver's diverse population includes almost every culture found in the United States. While we originated in a university setting, we have evolved into a separate community-based program. Our clinic was founded in 1982 in a neighborhood that was over 60 percent Hispanic. Through that experience, we defined ourselves as a program that not only teaches students, but also provides a unique service to our community and the diversity it represents. We are known as the "clinics that will see anyone." Often our clients find themselves unable to find quality, affordable services elsewhere. Thus, our clients continuously remind us to value, respect and work with difference and diversity.
In our classes, students bring the challenges and opportunities of working with diverse clients to the discussion. This imbues the DFI learning context with a constant need to understand and respect diversity and to practice non-discrimination in our work. The curriculum, program structure and clinical training address these issues. In summary, we believe that the ability to value, honor and work with differences is a core value and skill for marriage and family therapists.
Plan We recognize that our plan must be based both on concrete, observable numbers and on other less easily measured intangibles at the process level. Specifically, we are taking the following steps:
Progress
“A notable strength for Denver Family Institute regards diversity…it is infused throughout the program.” DFI continues to attract a student body notable for diversity. We seek to increase diversity in terms of ethnicity and gender as our students are primarily Caucasian females. We ask for feedback in our course evaluations, supervision evaluations, interviews with students and in surveys of our students and clients. DFI continues to reach out to the Denver community inviting referrals from a wide array of sources and a diverse population of clients. DFI maintains a non-discrimination policy in the clinic and the training program.
NOTE: Within the limits of our code of ethics and state law, respect of diverse viewpoints shall not be a reason to collude in, ignore, or support abusive behaviors, discrimination or sexual harassment at Denver Family Institute. All faculty and students share responsibility for creating a safe, welcoming environment.
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