Appendix B: Family Safety Plan
Given the diversity of families, the complexity of family dynamics, the full range of family resources and developmental differences in the individuals who have sexually abused, each family’s safety plan must be constructed for that particular family. There is truly no “one-size-fits-all” approach to family safety.
However, there are some consistent guidelines that can be followed to create a safety plan for any family. In fact, these safety plans could be used by any family, whether or not they have faced sexual abuse experienced by and/or caused by a family member. By understanding what puts a child at risk to be abused or what may put an adult, teen, or child at risk to sexually harm a child, the family
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Participants may include the family members who understand what happened in the family and what needs to change, and professionals with expertise to share and are working with the family such as therapists or probation/parole officers. The group may also invite other key members of the extended family or community such as a school counselor, religious leader, or childcare provider in a position to encourage and monitor the family’s safety plan who are fully aware of what happened.
After the group has been created, they will need to clarify each person’s role to ensure the family’s success. For family reunification, success means that no more sexual harm is caused by any member of the family and no one is sexually harmed by any member of the family. Everyone is critical because each member of the group has access to different information and may have more or less authority. Ideally, one person will coordinate implementation of the safety plan, provide stability to the process, and ensure that every concern is discussed, followed-up, and
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In general, the adults surrounding the vulnerable child as well as with the person who abused, need to take the lead by opening conversations about healthy relationships, healthy sexual behaviors, and what are sexually abusive behaviors. These conversations can help ensure that everyone connected to the family, either directly or indirectly, understands what happened and what needs to be done to maintain safety in the community.
Once the basic information is shared, the family should discuss future family goals and be sure to incorporate these goals into the plan. The goal setting process helps the family imagine what is possible and also helps to define success for that family. If safety is truly a goal, then a family member speaking up about their concerns and the family deciding to NOT continue family reunification would be considered success because the goal of safety is reinforced.
Creating Guidelines for Behavior