ROUGH HANDOFF REPAIR SHEET
Public-use family support tool

Use this after a handoff, exchange, or pickup went badly and the next goal is to steady the child, reduce repeat harm, and keep the next exchange from getting worse.

DO FIRST
- Make sure the child has what they need right now: calm, food, water, rest, medication, quiet, comfort items, a bathroom, and a predictable next step.
- Write down only the practical facts while they are fresh.
- Keep the first adult message short and child-centered.

WRITE DOWN THE PRACTICAL FACTS
Date:
Time:
Location:
Who was present:
What changed from the expected plan:
What the child needed immediately after:
Belongings / medication / paperwork issues:
Transportation issue:
Safety issue if any:

CHILD IMPACT
What did the child seem to need most right after?
- regulation
- food / water
- rest
- medication
- reassurance
- school support
- provider follow-up
- schedule clarity

NEXT CALMER MESSAGE
Use one short note that covers:
- the next practical need
- what the child needs now
- one clean request or clarification
- the next pickup / dropoff / school / provider fact

NEXT REPAIR STEP
- update the handoff note pad
- update school if the exchange affects attendance or behavior
- update provider if medication, therapy, or medical care was affected
- adjust the next transition plan
- keep one backup adult visible if the next exchange may change again

WHAT NOT TO DO NEXT
- do not send a long argument while the child is still dysregulated
- do not force the child to explain the whole exchange
- do not turn the child into the messenger for what happened
- do not wait too long to fix the next practical step

BEST COMPANION TOOLS
- Handoff / exchange notes pad
- Belongings and medication transfer sheet
- Child transitions and handoffs planner
- Child support message starters
- Child week reset sheet

Public-information tool only. Not legal advice.