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NEDA TOOLKIT for Educators The school and student of concern • If appropriate, involve the student in conversations with his/her parents/families. • If possible, negotiate an agreement with the student to enable open communication with parents/families. • Consider what steps you are able and willing to take in relation to duty-of-care if a student requests that parent(s) not be informed. • Consider what action you are permitted to take if parents/ families deny there is a problem and you feel the student is in crisis. • Specify who at the school will be a family liaison so that the family has the opportunity to develop a supportive relationship with a school staff member. The school psychologist, counselor, or equivalent is generally the most appropriate person to communicate with parents/families. • Be clear about the support the school can offer and the services available through the school. • Follow up oral conversations with a written summary of the conversation and action steps agreed upon, and send the summary to the parent/family member to check mutual understanding of what was discussed. • Follow up on the agreed-upon action steps within an established timeframe. • Focus on the general wellbeing of the student, rather than concerns about an eating disorder, if the topic appears to be sensitive. • Ask the family member what kind of support would be helpful. This may provide useful information about how to proceed, and it may also facilitate a sense of trust and safety with the family. • Try to decide collaboratively on the next steps the school will take with the student and family. Page  | 25