What is a Child Safety Plan?

It is important that all parents establish a safety plan with their children. A plan may vary based on the child's unique situation, but there are some safety rules that apply to all children. A child safety plan will provide guidance by telling the child where to go, what to do, and how to react in a potentially dangerous situation.

All parents and guardians should develop a child safety plan with their children when they are very young. This plan must contain information that is individualized for their child and address what to do in specific situations. For example, if the child is living in a child abuse or domestic abuse situation, there are certain safety precautions and procedures that should be followed to keep that child safe. Additionally, all parents should remember to address what to do if the child gets lost.

Child Safety Plan Sample:

Do Not:

- Talk to strangers

- Approach a car, building, animal or person without your parent's permission

- Tell callers you are home alone

- Open the door to anyone when you are home alone

- Play with any weapons

- Keep secrets that make you scared, sad, or uneasy

Do:

- Ask permission before leaving the house or yard

- Know your full name, address, and phone number

- Know when and how to dial 911

- Keep doors and windows locked when you are home alone

- Use the buddy system or play in groups

- Tell a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, or other relative if someone is touching you in a way that hurts you or makes you feel uncomfortable

- Have an escape route in case of fire or other danger

Additional steps in a safety plan for a child in a child abuse or other domestic abuse situation:

Do:

- Have a safe place to go to if you find yourself in the middle of a fight or another dangerous situation. The safest place is a room with a phone and a lock on the door.

- Call for help once you have removed yourself from the view of the abuser.

• One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to develop a child safety plan early in your child's life. Remind them often of the guidelines and encourage them to learn to follow their instincts; if something doesn't feel right, don't do it.  They should know to get out of unsafe situations as quickly as possible and always be aware of who and what is around them.

• If you feel that you need help preparing a child safety plan, consult with your child's guidance counselor at his school.  Guidance counselors can no only help you construct a safety plan fit for your child, but they may be able to help apply the guidelines while your child is at school.