The SEND HANDOVER Protocol
To help families, caregivers, and organizations support children with additional needs more effectively, I have made the HANDOVER Protocol™ available as a free editable document.
The protocol is designed to help ensure that essential information is accurately shared when a child moves into the care of another person, whether for a short period, an emergency, respite care, education, travel, or a longer-term placement.
Because every child and every situation is different, the document is fully editable, allowing you to adapt it to your own circumstances. Completing it thoughtfully can help reduce misunderstandings, minimize risk, and provide caregivers with the information they need to support a child safely and confidently.
Simply download the document and tailor it to your family's needs.
PLEASE NOTE: The SEND HANDOVER Protocol™ is intended as an informational tool and does not replace professional medical, legal, or safeguarding advice. Users should review and update the information regularly to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Download your copy of the Protocol here
The Special Needs Handover Toolkit
For families who would like additional support, the HANDOVER Toolkit is available separately. The Toolkit includes the HANDOVER Protocol and an editable collection of templates, checklists, action plans, quick‑reference cards, and planning documents that can be tailored to a child's individual needs.
Here's the complete list of documents comprising the Toolkit. Each plays a distinct role in the safety chain. Together, they create a complete, end‑to‑end system for safe temporary care.
A. HANDOVER Protocol Template: The full framework – the backbone of the entire system.
B. HANDOVER Pocket Booklet – The ultra‑portable version for caregivers.
C. Condition‑Specific Quick Reference – One‑page condition summaries.
D. Caregiver Readiness Questions – Caregiver‑facing: “Do I understand this child well enough to say yes?”
E. Sample Completed Protocol – Shows parents what “good” looks like.
F. Emergency Envelope Kit – The crisis‑ready pack.
G. Emergency Card – First‑response guidance.
H. Emergency Log – Records incidents for future updates.
I. Caregiver Debrief Form – Caregiver‑facing: lived feedback after a placement.
J. Placement Preparation Checklist (Caregiver) – Caregiver‑facing: “Can I safely meet this child’s needs in my environment?”
K. Action Plan Template – Condition‑specific emergency instructions.
L. Medical Consent & Temporary Authorization – Legal and medical authority for caregivers.
M. Placement Preparation Checklist (Parent) – Parent‑facing: “Have I prepared everything the caregiver needs for safe care?”
N. Quick Reference Cards – Immediate accessible guidance for caregivers
The Toolkit is particularly valuable for children with multiple conditions, complex support needs, or situations where information must be coordinated across several caregivers, family members, schools, respite services, transport providers, or community organizations.
Rather than starting from scratch, parents can customize the documents, keep them updated over time, and create a complete care package that grows with their child.
The Toolkit is available for purchase from our shop on this website.