Safety plans and voluntary placement

Whether the parent understands the concern and shows genuine commitment to keeping the child safe.

Raises concern Minimizing or denying a serious safety issue, such as an unsafe partner, drug use, or hazardous living conditions.

Reassures Taking immediate steps to remove the risk, such as ending contact with an unsafe person or arranging medical care.

Example A mother in an abusive relationship leaves the home, files for a protection order, and moves in with a relative.

Whether the parent can regulate emotions and actions, particularly under stress.

Raises concern A history of impulsive or violent behavior, especially in front of the child.

Reassures Using healthy coping strategies such as therapy, anger management, or support groups.

Example A father with a history of anger problems enrolls in a program and shows calm conflict resolution with his children.

Whether the parent is open to support services and follows through on them.

Raises concern Refusing services, missing appointments, or disregarding recommendations.

Reassures Engaging with social workers, attending therapy, and following through on a plan.

Example A struggling mother accepts voluntary in-home services and child care assistance to stabilize her home.

Whether another responsible adult in the home can step in to protect the child.

Raises concern A sole caregiver with no support system and an ongoing safety concern.

Reassures A trusted family member or partner actively involved in caregiving.

Example A father working on a substance use issue agrees to have the child's grandmother move in to help supervise.

Whether the home has enough food, clothing, medical care, and shelter for the child.

Raises concern No running water, ongoing food shortages, or repeated failure to obtain needed medical care.

Reassures Actively seeking help, such as applying for food assistance or arranging stable housing.

Example A mother facing eviction works with a social worker to secure emergency housing and keeps her children's needs met through the move.

Whether the child can express themselves and seek help if they feel unsafe.

Raises concern A very young or nonverbal child who cannot communicate a safety concern.

Reassures A child who knows how to reach a trusted adult or call 911.

Example A 12-year-old knows to contact a trusted neighbor or teacher if they ever feel unsafe.

Younger children and children with disabilities are more vulnerable and need greater protection.

Raises concern An infant or child with significant needs exposed to substance use, violence, or neglect.

Reassures A parent taking extra precautions matched to a vulnerable child’s needs.

Example A mother caring for a disabled child arranges respite care and specialized therapy.

Whether the parent recognizes and responds to the child's physical and emotional needs.

Raises concern Ignoring a medical condition or failing to provide emotional support.

Reassures Seeking appropriate medical care, therapy, or counseling for the child.

Example A father recognizes his child is struggling with depression and arranges therapy and school counseling.

Whether there are imminent risks to the child's physical safety.

Raises concern Exposed wiring, unsecured firearms, severe filth, or dangerous people in the home.

Reassures Correcting hazards promptly.

Example A mother secures medications and household chemicals in locked cabinets.

Whether the child receives supervision suited to their age.

Raises concern Leaving a young child home alone for extended periods.

Reassures Arranging appropriate child care or supervision.

Example A single parent working long shifts arranges after-school care rather than leaving a 7-year-old alone.

Whether the parent communicates honestly and follows through on agreements.

Raises concern Avoiding contact, refusing meetings, or providing false information.

Reassures Engaging respectfully and following through on what was agreed.

Example A mother accused of neglect works cooperatively to address concerns and completes recommended services.

Substance use by itself is not a reason for removal. It matters when it affects parenting.

Raises concern Use that leads to neglect, unsafe environments, or criminal activity around the child.

Reassures Active enrollment and participation in treatment.

Example A father working on addiction attends outpatient treatment and builds a sober support system.

A mental health condition alone is not a reason for removal. What matters is whether it is being managed and whether it affects the child’s safety.

Raises concern Refusing treatment despite severe symptoms, or a condition causing unpredictable or dangerous behavior that affects supervision and care.

Reassures Participating in treatment, meeting the child’s basic needs, and having support during difficult periods.

Example A mother diagnosed with depression follows her treatment plan, attends therapy, and keeps a structured routine for her child.

Even when a child is not directly harmed, exposure to domestic violence can have serious effects.

Raises concern A child witnessing repeated physical fights, or continued exposure to an abusive partner.

Reassures The non-abusive parent taking protective steps, or the person causing harm engaging in an intervention program.

Example A mother leaves with her child, goes to a domestic violence program, and obtains a protection order.

Whether the child is exposed to criminal behavior that creates danger or an unsafe environment.

Raises concern Drug manufacturing or distribution in the home, or the child present during criminal activity.

Reassures Distancing the child from criminal activity and demonstrating sustained change.

Example A mother with prior drug-related arrests completes treatment, moves into stable housing, and cuts ties with people involved in illegal activity.

Whether the physical condition of the home presents an immediate risk.

Raises concern Severe infestation or mold affecting health, no running water or heat, structural hazards, or unsecured weapons or drugs within reach.

Reassures Addressing hazards promptly, or seeking housing assistance when the home is not habitable.

Example A mother facing financial hardship works with a rental assistance program and documents the process.

Past involvement is considered, but prior history does not by itself establish a current safety threat. What matters is whether past concerns were addressed.

Raises concern A pattern of repeated reports showing ongoing safety issues, or a history of non-compliance with orders and plans.

Reassures Completing past requirements and showing real change in stability and caregiving since then.

Example A mother with earlier involvement due to substance use has maintained two years of recovery, secured housing, and reunified.