Signs of Safety

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

Signs of Safety (SoS) is a child protection practice model developed in Australia and used in twelve countries. Wilson County Department of Social Services actively seeks creative, evidence based methods to meet the needs of the children and families we touch. In addition to trauma informed practice, we are implementing Signs of Safety as the foundation for our integrated practice framework. Signs of Safety has been implemented in our child welfare program, from prevention services through adoption services. The goal is always child safety. Completing the Signs of Safety assessment framework is a process of creating a map of the circumstances surrounding a vulnerable child. Signs of Safety emphasizes the importance of setting clear behavior-driven goals and building true collaboration with the family. SoS has significantly contributed to a reduction in child abuse through stronger family engagement, honest communication and effective delivery of services that address real issues.