Communicating health information in the California foster care system: Problems and recommendations

Abstract

This paper discusses health information management in the foster care system in California, particularly communication between care givers, information transmission, and record-keeping. These processes were examined in 14 California counties through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with foster care administrators, social workers, foster parents, and health care providers. The study demonstrated variability in medical and mental health evaluations of foster children, and lack of coordination in the gathering and transmission of medical information in the 14 counties. Medical histories, reports on medical evaluations, and information on ongoing care fail to be communicated routinely to social workers and foster parents. Because foster children demonstrate a high level of chronic health conditions, transmission of information about evaluations and treatments is essential. Recommendations address the difficulties in adequately communicating health information as well as meeting bureaucratic requirements.