3. What is S.A.F.E.?
S.A.F.E. stands for:
Safety, Analysis, Follow-up, and
Empowerment.
These are four keys to guide
child protection decisions.
4. So, why the circle?
The circle represents a continuous
improvement model for child
protection.
5. Step one: Safety
All child protection cases start with a child abuse and
neglect concern and an initial safety assessment / decision.
Safety is defined as freedom from injury and the risk of
danger or harm. Risk always informs safety.
Children should never be separated from a caregiver unless
there is a risk/safety concern.
Safety
Reason for Referral
Initial Safety Decision
Safety Assessments
Ongoing Safety Concerns
6. Step two: Analysis
A
Analysis is the second step in this process.
Analysis is the thorough collection, organization
and assessment of all relevant information that
impacts a child’s safety.
• Investigation is the collection of
all relevant facts
• Organizing the facts in a written
format helps the assessment
process.
• Assessment is the logical
conclusion made based upon the
facts.
7. F
Step three: Follow-up
Follow-up is the plan of action needed to bring
rehabilitation to the family and ensure the safety of the
children.
Safety Planning
Case Planning
Resources provided
Referrals for services
Case Management
8. E
Step four: Empowerment
Empowerment is process of assessing change. The reason
child protection services is involved with a family is
because there is a safety concern. The only reason to
cease involvement is if there has been a change in the
caregiver and the safety concerns are no longer present.
Caregivers:
• Admit that there is a fact based safety concern
• Do not blame others, especially not the children
• Verbalize a willingness to do something different
• Participate in services
• Demonstrate change
