What is the Care Framework?

Two children wearing animal masks, one with a bear mask and the other with a rabbit mask, standing against a plain background.

The CARE Framework is a gentle, child-centred guide that supports children to navigate friendship challenges with clarity and self-respect.


CARE is not prescriptive.
It does not require children to follow steps in order, fix problems quickly, or reconcile before they are ready.


Instead, CARE provides language, prompts, and reassurance so children can respond in ways that feel safe and appropriate for them.

A young girl wearing a pink birthday crown, smiling happily, lying on a colorful alphabet quilt with a big smile. Beside her, a person with short hair, closed eyes, and a cardboard crown on their head, also lying down. They are holding hands.

C – CALM

Calm focuses on helping the body feel safe and settled.
When children are calm, they are better able to think clearly, communicate, and make choices.

A – ACKNOWLEDGE

Acknowledge supports children to notice and validate their feelings.

Children learn that all feelings make sense and do not need to be ignored or fixed straight away.

R – RESPOND

Respond helps children consider respectful ways to move forward.

This may include using words, setting boundaries, taking space, or asking for help.

E – EMPOWER

Empower focuses on self-trust and confidence.

Children are supported to feel okay moving forward, even if a friendship is not resolved.

A teacher holding a flashcard with the letter A on it, engaging with a group of four children at a yellow table in a classroom.
Children sitting on a green carpet forming a circle with their fingers pointing towards the center.