How to develop a safety plan

Important components of a safety plan for at-risk students

Overview

A safety plan is developed for a student at risk of suicide by the student, their parent/guardian, a mental health professional, and other available suicide risk assessment team members.

The student’s case manager should ensure that a safety plan is developed immediately or when a student returns to school after treatment.

Safety plan components

The safety plan should include:

  • Warning signs
  • Coping strategies the student can use
  • Interventions, supports, or action steps to build protective factors
  • People and places that improve the student’s mood and help them feel safe
  • Trusted people the student can go to for help
  • Who to contact in an emergency 
  • Immediate steps the student can take during a suicidal crisis
  • Resources given to the family
  • Name and contact information for the case manager

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-TALK or text 988.

If the parent/guardian cannot attend the safety plan meeting, the case manager should follow up with them to ensure they’re aware of the content, supportive measures, action steps, and what do if they have concerns or if there’s an escalation in risk.

Case manager responsibilities

After a safety plan has been developed, the case manager should:

  • Communicate the plan to suicide risk assessment team members
  • Communicate the plan to appropriate school staff
  • Monitor the plan
  • Reconvene the team for any follow-up meetings

After the safety plan has been developed

  • All participants in the safety planning should sign the plan
  • A copy should be given to the parent/guardian and the student
  • The plan should be attached and stored with the student’s suicide risk assessment
  • The case manager should keep a copy of the plan for student monitoring