Self-harm Safety Plan

Self-harm safety plan

Are you a parent looking for a resource that enables you to keep strategies and contacts for support all in one place? This safety plan for children and young people could help you organise the resources you need to support your child's wellbeing.

Download our safety plan template to use with your child.

What is included in this self-harm safety plan?

When we feel overwhelmed, it can be difficult to identify in that moment what can help. This is where a safety plan comes in. In times of distress, a safety plan is there to refer to for details on how to get help and who to contact, and as a reminder of the techniques that your child finds helpful.

Below you will find a suicide and self-harm safety plan template for children and young people. You can work through this printable sheet with your child in a calm moment when you have lots of time together to identify what may be helpful when self-harm urges arise.

Before using this template, read our guide either alone or with your child on how to create a safety plan together with your child.

Explore our safety plan parent's guide.

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How do I use this safety plan for children?

Everyone should have a right to feel safe. By identifying strategies with your child in advance, you'll feel more prepared to support them when things get difficult.

When creating a safety plan, this should be done collaboratively with your child. Having an open dialogue around what they may be feeling before a crisis can help when it comes to identifying specific triggers, so you can be more prepared to support them in the moment, and as a family.

It is also important to recognise that the plan should be created with your individual child in mind. Build a list that focuses on what works for them, and you will be in a better position to offer support in those moments of need.

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What can I include in a personalised safety plan for my child?

People your child trusts, and those they feel comfortable talking to
A list of contact numbers who can be available when needed
Places or behaviours that may be possible triggers and strategies that enable them to find a sense of calm when they arise
Instructions on what to do in the case of an emergency
What coping strategies help when they feel distressed
Ways they can self-soothe, including a self soothe box, favourite music, a snuggly blanket or cuddly toy.

What is a safety plan for children and young people?

A safety plan is a practical tool that can be used to support a child, teenager or young person with urges and feelings around self-harm.

A safety plan consists of a list of coping strategies that work specifically for your child. This means they can be used during a self-harm crisis, or before as a preventative measure when specific behaviours become noticeable.

Download here