2. Planning Process

2.4. Foster Collaboration and Communication

Maintaining Communication and Collaboration

Encourage regular communication and collaboration across the broader community of child-serving organizations and caregivers. Relevant stakeholders may include:

  • Faith-based organizations
  • Foster care and congregate care agencies
  • Children and families
  • Hospitals and health care systems
  • Schools and school districts
  • Childcare and early childhood education providers
  • Camps, scout programs, and youth recreation organizations
  • Other local child-serving partners

Establish recurring meetings to review progress, exchange information, clarify responsibilities, and address challenges. Create an environment that supports open dialogue, active listening, and respect for different perspectives.

Use appropriate technology and communication platforms to support timely collaboration, particularly when team members are geographically dispersed. Establish backup communication methods in case primary systems are unavailable during an emergency.

Include all relevant stakeholders in plan development, scheduled reviews, drills, exercises, evaluations, and improvement planning.