Harm Reduction Planning / Safety Planning Process
Session One
Parent Intake Session (virtual session)
Session Two
Child/Youth Intake Session
(virtual or in-person)
Session Three
Report Writing
Session Four
Review of Plan
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For safety planning, our 45-minute parent intake session provides an opportunity for parent(s) to share relevant history, background information and the current safety concerns. Please share any IEP or diagnostic reports prior to this session; additionally complete your child's intake form, including current medication(s). during the session, parents are asked to honestly assess the extent of their abilities to implement a safety plan or harm reduction plan. Different families will have different resources available and at times, additional emergency medical intervention may be required in order to keep a child/youth safe.
The child/youth intake session provides an opportunity for the child to share their perspective on current issues. While the session may take place together with the parents, often sometime will be held privately with the child/youth and therapist, as children may be willing to share more details of risky behaviors or current problems without parents present in session. This is also an opportunity to get the child/youth engagement and commitment to the safety plan or harm reduction plan. If concerns for immediate safety arise, recommendations for emergency medical intervention may be made. While counselling can support families in creating a safety plan or harm reduction plan, in some cases emergency medical intervention is more appropriate.
Following the intake sessions, a report summarizing the safety plan in child/youth - friendly language will be provided. A more detailed outline for parents / family members will also be provided. This is billed as a one-hour report writing session.
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The fourth and final session with the parents and child/youth. This session will review and clarify the safety / harm reduction plan, and confirm the parent's ability to ensure the safety plan is carried out. At this session, we can also discuss further referrals or community services to explore for the child / youths long-term mental wellness.
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Depending on the client needs, a follow up session may be scheduled as a check-in with the family or child/youth, particularly if waitlists for community services or further medical support are lengthy.
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