CYSCP

Signs of Safety has 7 steps:

1. Harm: Past hurt, injury or abuse to the child (likely) caused by adults. Also includes risk-taking behaviour by the child that indicates harm and is harmful to them.
2. Danger Statement: The harm or hurt that is believed likely to happen to the child if nothing in the family’s situation changes.
3. Complicating Factors: Actions and behaviours in and around the family, the child and by professionals that make the situation more difficult to deal with.
4. Existing Strengths: People, plans and actions that contribute to a child’s wellbeing.
5. Existing Safety: Actions taken by parents, caring adults and children to make sure the child is safe when danger is present.
6. Safety Goals: The behaviours and actions that Tusla needs to see to be satisfied the child will be safe enough to close the case.
7. Next Steps: The immediate next actions that will be taken to build future safety and keep the child safe as possible.

Central to the Signs of Safety approach is the use of specific practice tools that let professionals and family members work together to address the worries about harm to the child. Refer to the ‘Practice and Learning Methods’ document. This document may not be accessible for users of assistive technology; request an accessible format. Alternatively, you can view a physical copy of this document. Email: [email protected] to find out more.