Skip to main content
Essex Safeguarding Children Board

Safety Planning

During reviews including Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews (CSPRs) and Multi-Agency Case Audits (MACAs) there were inconsistencies in the meaning of a safety plan in different organisations. The plans ranged from verbal advice through to very comprehensive plans which may not have been aligned to each other. A safety plan should be a collaborative process, involving children (where appropriate), families, agencies and organisations in identifying risks and developing solutions.

Effective safety planning should:

  • have the safety of children and families as its central objective.
  • minimise risk factors and maximise protective factors.
  • become a roadmap for the journey from danger to safety, outlining steps, tools, and ongoing processes including information-sharing and regular review to ensure that the safety plan remains up to date and relevant.
  • once complete the plan should be shared with partner agencies appropriately (where consent is given).

A Practice Tool has been produced to help create a better shared understanding of Safety Planning.

Safety Planning Practice Tool (PDF, 2025)