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    Family Safety Plan for Mental Health
    & Substance Use
    Fillable Worksheet for Parents and Caregivers

    Who this worksheet is for:

    This safety plan is for parents and caregivers who are worried about a teen or young adult with mental health challenges, substance use, or both. You do not need a diagnosis to use it. If something feels unsafe, this plan helps you act earlier and with more clarity.

    Important:

    Having a safety plan does not mean your child is dangerous or that you’ve failed as a parent. It means you are planning ahead—just like families do for fires, allergies, or medical emergencies.

    This worksheet is meant to be filled out when things are calm. Keep copies in the home, car, and on your phone. Update it as situations change.

    Family Safety Plan (Fill-In)

    Fill this out in a calm moment. You can download your completed plan anytime.

    1. Family & Emergency Information
    2. Our Loved One
    3. Early Warning Signs (Cues)

    Crises usually don’t come out of nowhere. Most families notice changes first.

    What do we notice before things escalate? Check all that apply and add details.

    When these signs show up, we move to the next safety step.

    4. Home Safety (Reducing Risk)

    These steps help reduce danger during moments of poor judgment.

    5. Safe Places & Exit Plan

    Everyone in the household should know how to get "to a" safe "place" quickly. 

    Prepare a go bag (check all):

    Safe places outside the home

    6. De-Escalation Language (LEAP)

    When someone is in crisis, logic often doesn’t work. Calm, respectful language can lower the temperature.

    LEAP = Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner

    What we remind ourselves NOT to do

    Our go-to calming phrases

    (e.g., “I want to understand what you’re dealing with.” "I hear you are really upset")
    (e.g. “I can see how scared/frustrated you feel.” “Anyone in your situation would feel stressed.”)
    (e.g. “We both want everyone here to be safe.” “We may see this differently, but we agree safety matters.”)
    (e.g. “Let’s take a break and figure out the next step together.” “Would it help to sit down or get some air?”)
    7. Red Lines – When We Call for Help

    To avoid hesitation, decide ahead of time when outside help is needed.

    8. Crisis Contacts & Instructions

    Emergency (with concerns of violence) Call 911 - Emergency (with concerns of emotional distress but no immediate danger): Say clearly

    “This is a mental health crisis. Please send a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer or a mental health co-responder.”
    9. Important Documents (Check if included)
    10. After a Crisis

    What happens after a crisis matters too.

    11. Quick Safety Checklist

    When (and when not) to share this plan

    • Share parts of this plan when your loved one is calm and open.
    • You do not need to share every detail, especially exit strategies.
    • Safety planning is about protection, not control.

    Need more support?

    Please reach out to our helpline if you need more guidance navigating substance use and mental health challenges. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.

    Having a safety plan does not mean you’ve given up. It means you are taking care of everyone in your family—including yourself.

    Important: This resource is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical, legal, or emergency advice. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

    The Partnership

    Published

    February 2026