Use a four-part format to share current care information while keeping requests and disagreements in their proper place.
Use four short parts
- Now: the current condition or practical update
- Next: what the receiving caregiver needs to do or know
- Items: what is traveling with the child
- Follow-up: one open task and its responsible adult
Describe instead of interpreting
Use dates, times and direct observations. Identify the source of a school or professional instruction rather than adding a conclusion of your own.
Keep in mind
A care observation is parent-recorded. It should not be presented as an independent medical, behavioral or legal conclusion.
Move other subjects out of the handoff
A handoff message should help the next caregiver act. It does not need to settle every adult issue at the same time.
- Put a proposed timing change in a schedule request.
- Keep expense questions in the expense process.
- Discuss non-urgent disagreements away from the physical exchange.
- Use emergency services or an appropriate professional when the situation is urgent or unsafe.
Sources and further reading
- Tips for Connecting and CommunicatingCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
Scope of this resource
This is general communication organization, not legal advice, evidence preparation or a crisis-response method.
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