When it comes to keeping children safe, prevention is just as important as response. That’s why we’re launching our new and improved family safety plan – a proactive, practical guide designed to help parents, carers and professionals take decisive action to protect children from sexual abuse.
What is a family safety plan?
Child sexual abuse is a difficult subject, but ignoring it won’t make it go away. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive environment, free from harm.
A family safety plan outlines practical steps the family will take to prevent child sexual abuse. It helps families to:
- recognise warning signs of inappropriate or concerning behaviour
- ensure good communication within the family around topics such as safety, boundaries and consent
- encourage supportive relationships and put in place appropriate rules and boundaries respond to any concerns and risks and ensure preventative measures are in place
Who is a family safety plan for?
You can use the plan in your own family as a guide to help you safeguard children. It can also be used by professionals working to keep children safe from harm.
It can be used where a specific risk to children has been identified – or where there is no specific identified risk, to ensure everything is running smoothly, risk is minimised and children are protected.
We use the family safety plan in our own work – especially our interventions. Taking into account the different ages or stages of development of the children involved, our experts work alongside professionals to guide decision-making, reduce the risk of harm and delve into the roles of protective adults and professionals. We help them navigate complex dynamics and family situations through bespoke training, that enhances professional expertise and helps make the right decisions for children.
Young people at the heart of the plan
Children and young people are the key to a successful family safety plan, because it’s there to keep them safe. Their input is central to this plan and it’s vital to work closely with them to ensure the guidance is relevant, accessible and easy to implement.
By fostering a culture where young people feel safe speaking up, we can consider their views on how best to keep them safe and work it into the family safety plan. From identifying adults of concern to internet access to family boundaries, young people should be listened to because understanding their perspectives will help tailor recommended measures to suit them.
A national review into child sexual abuse within families found that listening to the experience of children needs to be front and centre in professional practice and decision-making. Our response details how we support professionals in strengthening their skills and knowledge “to work confidently and sensitively in this complex area of practice.”
Help is available
The family safety plan also signposts to more support, resources and expert organisations. Whether you’re a parent worried about a child, a young person seeking advice, or a professional looking for guidance, help is available.
Child sexual abuse takes a number of different forms including but not limited to:
Each of these needs a different response as well as different strategies to prevent it from happening in the first place – we can help. Together, we can take a proactive stance against child sexual abuse and create safer environments where every child is protected.
Find out more
Our anonymous Stop It Now helpline can support anyone with concerns about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviour. If you need help with your family safety plan, get in touch.
Our Shore website has anonymous advice and information for teenagers worried about their own or a friend’s sexual behaviour.
Can you help us?
We are dedicated to supporting professionals and families in their efforts to keep children safe. You can be part of this mission too.
