Start with what matters
Linkages Alert September 2015
Start with the child and family's priorities, then organize the information and conversations that make everyday care more coordinated.
Start here
Begin with the child, the family, and the next decision.
Coordinated support becomes more manageable when the family can name the immediate goal, the people involved, the information each person needs, and the next check-in.
For this page, keep the working question visible: What should the next person understand or do?
A practical sequence
- 01
Name the priority
Choose one outcome that matters now in health, school, home routines, communication, community participation, safety, or growing independence.
- 02
Describe what already works
Record strengths, preferences, effective supports, familiar people, and routines worth preserving.
- 03
Prepare the conversation
Bring a short timeline, relevant records, the family’s top questions, and a clear request for the next action.
- 04
Close the loop
Write down who will do what, by when, how the family will receive an update, and what to do if the plan stalls.
Bring these details together
A short working checklist.
- Immediate family priority
- Child’s strengths and preferences
- People involved
- Relevant current information
- Top three questions
- Named next action
- Follow-up date
Use with care
Keep professional instructions separate from general guidance.
Use qualified professionals for individualized health, education, legal, safety, or financial decisions.
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