Considering Family Reconnection and Reunification after Child Sexual Abuse

Appendix B
Family Safety Plan
Given the diversity of families, the complexity of family dynamics, the full range
of family resources and developmental differences in the individuals who have
sexually abused, each family’s safety plan must be constructed for that particular
family. There is truly no “one-size-fits-all” approach to family safety.
However, there are some consistent guidelines that can be followed to create a safety
plan for any family. In fact, these safety plans could be considered by any family, whether
or not they have faced sexual abuse experienced by and/or caused by a family member.
By understanding what puts a child at risk to be abused or what may put an adult, teen,
or child at risk to sexually harm a child, the family can establish clearer boundaries, set
consequences for crossing those boundaries, and choose to pull in additional resources to
keep everyone in the family safe.
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