Guided Intake

Issue Builder

Guided Intake

5

Structured steps from messy issue to action plan

Response Support

4

Issue-specific calm response frames

Review Packet

1

Neutral summary assembled as you work

Build The Issue Before It Builds The Conflict

Name the issue
Center the child need
Gather facts
Create the next step

ChildFirst organizes facts, options, and records. It does not decide which parent is right, make legal rulings, or replace professional judgment.

Start With The Issue

Child Need And Timing

Predictable transitions, enough rest, and less adult pressure.

Select the child needs involved

When does this need action?

Plain-Language Intake

Parenting Plan Anchor

What does the parenting plan say about notice, exchange times, makeup time, and exceptions?

Risks To Reduce

  • Repeated last-minute changes
  • Unclear counteroffer
  • Child exposed to adult argument at exchange

Least-Conflict Next Step

Offer one specific counter time and document whether it is accepted, declined, or unanswered.

Facts To Gather

Current schedule or court-order language
What changed and when the request was made
Deadline for response or next exchange

Calm Response Frame

I want to keep the exchange predictable for the child. I can do [specific time/location]. If that does not work, please send one alternate option before [deadline].

Short
Specific
Documentable

Generated Review Packet

Neutral Summary

Schedule issue needs action today. Parent note: Request came in late and the response options were not clear. Desired child-focused outcome: Confirm a workable exchange time without another argument.

Child needs selected: Stability, Healthy communication. The recommended next step is to keep the issue narrow, preserve the record, and use the calm response frame before escalating.

Packet sections

  • Original schedule rule
  • Request and timestamp
  • Response or counteroffer
  • Final calendar state