Examples  of safeguarding plans 

It's important to note that these are examples, and is not meant to be seen as a comprehensive list of actions. Each individual case requiring a safeguarding and safety plan is unique and requires a professional assessment from a counsellor or social worker in order to develop a comprehensive and personalised plan.

 

And it's important to work closely with the authorities and other service providers to provide a coordinated care for the student and their family. 

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Example 1. Potential response for a student with Suicidal Ideation

 

Identification of the student: The student's name and identifying information, along with the reason for concern (e.g. suicidal ideation) should be recorded. 

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Risk assessment: A thorough assessment should be conducted to determine the level of risk the student poses to themselves. This should include an evaluation of their mental health, past suicidal behaviour, access to means, and support system. 

 

Safety plan: A plan should be developed to address the student's immediate safety needs, as well as to provide long-term support and treatment. This may include: 

• Providing the student with a list of emergency contact numbers, including the national suicide hotline and local crisis centre 

• Arrangements for regular check-ins with a trusted adult or mental health professional 

• A plan for how to access mental health services, such as counselling or medication management 

• A plan to address any potential triggers or stressors that may contribute to suicidal ideation 

 

Support and Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the student's well-being wellbeing, and provision of support. This may include meeting with the student on a regular basis, providing support and guidance, and ensuring that the student is aware of the resources available to them. 

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Communication: It's important to communicate with the student's family, school staff, and other relevant parties such as child and adolescent mental health services about the student's condition, and how to support the student. 

 

Confidentiality: It's important to maintain the student's confidentiality, and only share information with those who need to know, and only for the purpose of ensuring the student's safety. 

 

Example 2. Response for a student with safeguarding concerns relating to domestic violence 

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​Identification of the student: The student's name and identifying information, along with the reason for concern (e.g. domestic violence) should be recorded. 

 

Risk assessment: A thorough assessment should be conducted to determine the level of risk the student and their family are facing. This should include an evaluation of the student's safety at home, any history of violence, access to means of protection, and support system. 

 

Safety plan: A plan should be developed to address the student's immediate safety needs, as well as to provide long-term support and treatment. This may include: 

• Providing the student with a list of emergency contact numbers, including the national domestic violence hotline and local shelter 

• Arrangements for regular check-ins with a trusted adult or counselor 

• A plan for how to access legal and social services, such as filing for a restraining order or accessing housing assistance 

• A plan to address any potential triggers or stressors that may contribute to the violence 

• A plan for the student's education, including excused absences for court appearances or appointments with service providers

 

Support and Monitoring: Regular monitoring of the student's well-being, and provision of support. This may include meeting with the student on a regular basis, providing support and guidance, and ensuring that the student is aware of the resources available to them. 

 

Providing advocacy: Advocating for the student's needs and rights within the school and community, and helping the student navigate the legal and social service systems as needed. 

 

Providing appropriate accommodations: Providing appropriate accommodations, such as extra time for assignments or tests, to help the student succeed academically and emotionally. 

 

Communication: It's important to communicate with the student's family, school staff, and other relevant parties about the student's condition, and how to support the student. 

 

Confidentiality: It's important to maintain the student's confidentiality, and only share information with those who need to know, and only for the purpose of ensuring the student's safety.