1. Listen
How can staff ask the child and caregiver about their communication preferences without assuming what support they want?
For community mental health supervisors
A staff huddle on an accessible visit
Use this discussion with staff who welcome or support children and families. It is not a clinical assessment, crisis protocol or individual support plan.
Use the made-up example below. Do not include names or private health information about people your staff support.
Discuss the example
A child and caregiver arrive for a visit. The caregiver says that the child communicates differently and asks what options are available while they wait.
2. Consider the response
Which options or accommodations can staff discuss within their role, and who can answer questions they cannot resolve?
3. Coordinate
How will the team share relevant information with the responsible clinician in accordance with consent and organizational procedures?
Decide what staff need next
Ask the group what they already know, which policies or tools they need, and where learning or supervision would help. Agree on one next step and who will follow up. Support for an individual follows that person’s plan and your organization’s procedures.
Want to discuss a staff learning need? Talk with our team. You can describe staff roles and the task without sharing client details.
Explore the community mental health training guide, including the course’s limits, before deciding whether it fits your staff.
Further reading
This discussion prompt draws on CDC: disability and health information for healthcare providers. The scenario is fictional and is not from that source.