The aim of a family safety plan is keeping everyone safe, calm, and supported at home
This safety plan is here to help your family feel more secure during stressful or unpredictable moments. It’s okay if things feel difficult as this plan is a tool, not a test.
Why have a safety plan?
Sometimes, things can get intense at home. Children and young people might struggle to manage big feelings and act out in ways that are frightening or hard to manage. A safety plan helps you:
- Stay safe during those moments
- Reduce harm to anyone in the home
- Take steps to calm things down
- Know what to do and who to call for help
Make it together
Create this plan with your family. That includes:
- You (as the parent or carer)
- Your child or young person (if possible)
- Any other adults or siblings at home
This builds understanding and helps everyone know what to expect.
Step 1: Who to call if you need help
- A trusted friend or family member:
- Emergency services (if you feel unsafe): 999
Write these numbers somewhere visible and keep your phone charged and nearby.
Step 2: Talk about safety in calm moments
Choose a time when everyone is calm and explain:
“If things get too heated or unsafe, we all have the right to feel safe and take a break. Here’s what we’ll do…”
Step 3: Use calming strategies
Try using what you’ve learned from Capa First Response:
- Take deep breaths
- Use Validation
- Walk away for a few minutes, “I need to get a glass of water I will be right back”
- Avoid shouting or physical contact
Step 4: Create safe spaces
For your child/young person:
- A quiet space where they can go to calm down (e.g., their room, a designated space).
- If they go there, do not follow them. Let them have space unless they ask for help.
For you (and other family members):
- Choose a space where you can stay safe if needed
- If you feel in danger, go to a room you can lock, but only as a last resort
- Have your phone with you if possible
Step 5: What we agree to do during a difficult moment
Together, decide:
- A signal someone can use if they need space (e.g., “I need 5 minutes”)
- Where everyone’s safe spaces are
- When and how to ask for outside help
Step 6: Review your plan regularly
Check in with your family often:
- Is the plan working?
- Does anything need to change?
- Do we feel safer?
Please also listen to our podcast episode covering this topic.
You’re not alone
Things won’t always be easy, but this plan helps you take small steps toward safety and calm. You can adapt it as your family grows or situations change.
