When new children come into your home, whether as foster children or through adoption, different issues may pop up as you get to know that child. I know we've been down this road numerous times with foster and adoptive placements.
Sometimes a child may have issues or needs that may become a danger or concern to others within the home. This is when a safety plan may be something that a foster or adoptive family needs to consider putting into place. What is a safety plan?
A safety plan is an organized system of rules and guidelines used to supervise and structure time and space, due to the behavior of one or more members of the family. A safety plan is for the safety and well-being of the members who are acting out as well as for the other members of the family, including pets and property.
The need for a safety plan can occur at any time for a foster or adoptive family. We have used safety plans within our foster home and within our adoptive home. As children who have experienced trauma grow and mature, issues can arise that were not issues in the past. Be prepared by learning now when and why to use a safety plan. Then read on and learn how to create a safety plan for your family.
This post struck home for me. It was one of those things I wish we’d known as new foster parents … and no one warned us about. Children exposed to certain kinds of trauma can often act out on younger siblings, and the grown-ups need to do everything possible to keep everyone safe.
What I didn’t realize at the time (and wish I had) is that it is possible to be OVERLY cautious. For example, installing door alarms to prevent nighttime “visits” may fall in the “safe” category. Installing locks (which may prevent a child from getting to mom or dad in the middle of the night) are not.
On a related theme, it’s important not to over-react when a traumatized child “acts out.” That can be hard to do at times, but it’s really critical to the bonding process.
Thanks for another great article!
Yes, it’s very important to remain calm when one finds the kids acting out.
Thanks for the kind words and reminders. It is against safety rules to place locks on the outside of bedroom doors. It keeps kids from getting to mom and dad in the case of an emergency, and out in case of a fire or other natural disaster.
Again, thanks for adding to this discussion.