This will take an initial investment of time and effort. Ultimately, however, effective communication saves time and protects the students from inappropriate actions.

Communication between both systems can be significantly enhanced if both the school and the county agency appoint one individual as a liaison to:

• Have frequent, non-case specific contact with the other organization.
• Stay current regarding that organizations regulations and policies.
• Communicate concerns and questions from their colleagues about the other organization's actions and procedures.

The liaison for the school could become especially familiar with out-of-home care and be the primary contact person for questions and concerns related to out-of-home care. He or she could also coordinate and facilitate communication between the organizations regarding specific children, when needed.

• Collaborate with the county agency to establish effective standardized practice and procedures for communicating on behalf of all children in care. Consider the out-of-home care provider and caseworker part of your school’s team to help the out-of-home care student be successful.
• Ensure any sharing of student information will be consistent with federal and state laws governing pupil records.
• Develop protocols to ensure that the necessary persons (caseworker, foster parent, etc.) who are authorized to have access to information regarding the child are entered into the school’s web-based systems, if applicable.
• Become knowledgeable about appropriate information sharing and always respect your student’s privacy.
• Ensure school principals or designated staff members are forwarded copies of notification from caseworkers as to which children are in out-of-home care.
• Notify the county caseworker of the contact information for the district staff member responsible for any students in foster care.

• Ensure that the county caseworkers and the child’s caregivers know the school’s standard manner of communicating about a child. If it is a web-based system, make sure that they receive an orientation on how to use it.
• Send the caseworker the school schedule of district activities, including parent-teacher conferences.
• Send the parent, out-of-home care provider, and caseworker copies of the school calendar, student handbook, and any other school materials furnished to parents of students enrolled in the school.

• Invite the out-of-home care provider, caseworker and birth parents to work with the teacher in assessing the student’s current level of achievement and setting reasonable goals for the academic year.
• Encourage foster parents and caseworkers to be strong educational advocates for the child.