Independent Living and Safety Planning
Providers working with refugee and newcomer children and youth should discuss safety planning with children and families proactively and preventatively. This may include:
- Education on children’s rights in the United States
- Safe places and trusted adults
- 911 and other emergency/crisis hotlines
- Preventative conversations with parents/caregivers about parenting practices
- An age-appropriate supervision plan
- Other ways the parent/caregiver will commit to keeping the child safe
- Independent living planning and discussions with older youth about life skills, goals, and identifying supportive adults and community resources
Although there is no “one size fits all” template for safety planning, as each discussion and plan should be individualized to meet the needs of the youth and family, USCRI has developed the following templates to help guide providers in facilitating these important safety planning conversations with youth and families.
RESOURCES: Independent Living and Safety Planning
for Providers
Safety Plan for Older Children Using Pictures
Resource Type: PDF
Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center
Safety Plan for Younger Children
Resource Type: PDF
Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center
Independent Living Plan for Youth Approaching 18 Years Old
Resource Type: PDF
Source: USCRI’s Refugee Youth Resource Center