The Importance of Collaboration

In a stressed system, it can be difficult to connect to other providers, parents, teachers, social workers, and other key stakeholders who play a vital role in the life of a client. Despite the challenges, it is vital to work with others when completing or updating a CANS to ensure an accurate and wholistic picture is created through the communimetric ratings. With CANS deadlines a part of our reality, try to plan ahead and reach out to others early and often so you can integrate the observations and concerns of as many people as possible. Emphasize to stakeholders that their input is vital to supporting your client’s success. Dedicate time each week for outreach to ensure it remains a priority. Stay consistent and patient when connecting with others who also have demanding schedules, and remember that collaboration ultimately serves the client’s best interests.

​The CANS identifies the needs and strengths that guide our work and treatment, so the better the assessment, the better the plan to support. This is the roadmap for our work. Rather than a reactive approach to whatever comes up that day, a robust and accurate CANS grounds us in where the client is now and where they want to go, allowing the treatment team to identify areas of focus, plan interventions, and all travel down the same, coordinated path to wellness with our clients.

Teaming & Care Planning!