Within the team framework, if problems arise, they can be solved quickly. If a particular recommendation has not been proven effective, another can be considered. Lines of communication are opened and the entire process works more smoothly. The team concept is an excellent one, with which educators are thoroughly familiar. In fact, in many communities the school individualized educational planning team can serve as a model for the community-based case consultation teams.
Educators can make additional contributions to the team.
They can lend their expertise in the areas of child development, developmental disabilities, and the educational needs of children. To foster coordination, some communities are establishing child protection committees or task forces. A child protection coordinating committee provides an organizational structure in which community agencies and resources involved in meeting the needs of children and families can work together. This community effort can define roles and responsibilities, increase communication and coordination, identify gaps in services, and avoid duplication of services while increasing the efficient use of existing services and resources. Although in most instances CPS has the primary responsibility for organizing the committee, the educator is one of many persons from multiple agencies and professional disciplines who must work together to maximize the opportunities for the optimal development of the children within the community.