Informal Informal, ongoing communication must occur among professionals involved with the same child and family. Ongoing communication regarding case progress, changes in behavior or circumstances, problems encountered, and outstanding issues are critical to preventing contradiction and duplication in services. As well, open communication among professionals involved in the same case provides for ongoing assessment and enables changes in intervention approaches and services, as necessary. Each agency comprised of professionals with a mandated responsibility to report suspected child abuse and neglect should establish written procedures for making referrals. These procedures provide standard internal mechanisms to be followed when a case is reported.
Protocols help guide intervention and standardize practice.
With clearly defined roles and responsibilities and procedures to follow, coordination and collaboration problems are less likely to arise. Procedures for Feedback Good coordination and collaboration among agencies and professionals are based not only on open communication but also on a system that allows for feedback regarding case status. It can also be used to discuss successes and problems in collaboration and coordination among agencies and professionals. Feedback can identify gaps in services and strategies for closing these gaps and enhancing service delivery. By agreeing on common goals, developing a clear understanding of professional roles and responsibilities, maintaining open communication, developing procedures for intervention and collaboration, and instituting procedures for feedback, collaboration and coordination will be enhanced.