In 2014 HSCA began our implementation of Signs of Safety (SofS) as the practice framework for our work in child welfare. SofS strengthens our approach to risk assessment, provides tools to increase our collaboration with children/youth and families, and helps us to reach goals around keeping kids safe and well within their families and communities and to be at the centre of the work.
What you might notice or see…
- That we ask you what’s going well and try to understand the strengths and safety within families that can be built upon. We’re going to ask more questions to families, referents, and connected people to build a balanced and fair understanding of a family’s situation.
- Because of this approach, it will be easier to understand why we are involved (or not) with a family. This helps everyone be clear about how we will work together and meet goals.
- Bringing the family or child/youth’s network (friends, family members, other important and connected people) together to plan for safety and support.
- More meaningful involvement of children/youth in the work
We believe our SofS practice framework – because of its focus on partnership, clarity, and good planning – helps us meet important goals in our work with families, like:
- Being involved and staying involved in families’ lives for only as long as is needed
- Families feeling heard and respected and feeling that we have worked together as collaboratively as possible
- Developing strong safety and support plans with families
- Ensuring children/youth are connected to their family and community
To learn more about Signs of Safety work at HSCA, click this link to see staff from our Youth Services team present their work at an international Signs of Safety gathering.
For further information about Signs of Safety you can visit:
https://www.signsofsafety.net/what-is-sofs/
