"Data Trends" reports present summaries of research on mental health services for children and adolescents and their families. The article summarized in this "Data Trends" discusses the role of culture in children's development and mental health, disparities, and cultural competence in children's mental health services. Access to linguistically and culturally appropriate services is essential if the current inequities experienced by many families are to be addressed. This topic is increasingly important in light of the population projections of continued growth in the cultural diversity of the United States. In their discussion of applying cultural competence to systems of care, the authors state that "culturally competent practice can only occur within a system of care that has internalized and integrated cultural competence principles into every aspect of its organization and functioning". Existing published standards provide a framework for the application of knowledge and skills relevant to making progress towards a more culturally competent system of care. However, the authors also note that current system changes pose challenges for the improvement of services to children and families. Centralization of services relocates them away from the communities they serve. In addition, selection criteria for provider panels can systematically exclude practitioners who share the cultural background of the groups being served. Systems of care exist within a wider social context, and thus ongoing efforts are needed to reduce the prejudice and discrimination that have an impact on both mental health and mental health services. [This "Data Trends" presents a summary of: Pumariega, A., Rogers, K., & Rothe, E. (2005). Culturally competent systems of care for children's mental health: Advances and challenges. "Community Mental Health Journal," 41, 5, 539-555.]