Which professional would be most likely to coordinate communication with families during transitions, such as moving from foster care back to family?

• A. School counselor
• B. Occupational therapist
• C. Social worker
• D. Physical therapist

Answer: (C)

Coordinating communication with families during transitions is a role that centers on linking the child with supports across schools, foster care, and community services, and ensuring everyone involved has current, accurate information and a solid plan. This is a core function of the social worker, who handles case management, collaborates with foster families and biological families, and leads transition planning when a child moves from foster care back home. They coordinate with schools, health providers, and social services, manage consent and confidentiality, and monitor the transition to promote stability and access to needed resources.

A school counselor, while involved in supporting a student’s academic and emotional needs and often communicating with families, focuses mainly on within-school planning and resources. Occupational and physical therapists concentrate on evaluating and addressing motor, sensory, and daily living skills, not on coordinating cross-system transitions or leading interagency communication.