Assess Risks

  • ✅ Suicide Risk: Suicidal thoughts, intent, past attempts, access to means.
    💡 Evaluating suicide risk is essential for immediate safety planning and ensuring that proper support and intervention are provided.
  • ✅ Overdose Risk: Recent substance use patterns, tolerance levels, availability of Naloxone.
    💡 Assessing overdose risk helps to identify those in urgent need of harm reduction strategies and medical supervision during substance use.
  • ✅ Domestic Violence Risk: Current or historical abuse, safety concerns, coercive control.
    💡 Identifying domestic violence risk ensures that safety measures are implemented and that the client receives the necessary protection and support.
  • ✅ Other Risks: Self-harm, exploitation, homelessness, disengagement from services.
    💡 Recognizing other risks enables a comprehensive safety plan that addresses a range of vulnerabilities and promotes overall well-being.

Develop a Crisis Plan

  • ✅ Emergency Contacts: Identify trusted individuals, crisis helplines, professional support.
    💡 Having a list of emergency contacts ensures that the client can quickly reach out for help during a crisis.
  • ✅ Safety Steps: Establish coping strategies, safe locations, de-escalation techniques.
    💡 Outlining safety steps provides clear guidelines for managing escalating situations and maintaining personal safety.
  • ✅ Action Plan: Identify early warning signs and agreed steps for crisis intervention.
    💡 An action plan with early warning signs ensures that interventions can be initiated before a crisis fully develops.
  • ✅ Harm Reduction Strategies: Ensure access to Naloxone, medical intervention, or de-escalation techniques.
    💡 Incorporating harm reduction strategies in the crisis plan helps minimize immediate dangers and supports recovery during high-risk situations.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

  • ✅ Healthcare Support: GP, mental health teams, crisis services.
    💡 Collaboration with healthcare providers ensures comprehensive medical and psychological support during crises.
  • ✅ Social Care: Social workers, safeguarding teams, housing support.
    💡 Integrating social care services can address broader social issues that impact safety and recovery.
  • ✅ Community Resources: Peer support groups, shelters, advocacy services.
    💡 Access to community resources enriches the support network, ensuring the client receives practical and emotional help.
  • ✅ Legal & Law Enforcement: Court-mandated support, protective orders, liaison officers.
    💡 Involving legal and law enforcement agencies can provide necessary protection and ensure compliance with safety measures.