What is the aim of a safety-based system in child welfare?

The aim of a safety-based system in child welfare is to prioritize the child's safety. This approach emphasizes the protection and well-being of children as the foremost concern in any child welfare intervention. By focusing on safety, child welfare professionals assess the immediate risks to a child and make decisions that ensure their physical and emotional security.

In practice, this involves identifying potential threats to a child's safety, implementing protective measures, and striving to create a stable environment for the child. The priority on safety serves as a foundation for all assessments, interventions, and planning within the child welfare system, ultimately guiding the actions taken by professionals to safeguard children from harm.

This focus on safety is critical because the welfare of the child is paramount, and all efforts are directed toward ensuring that children grow up in secure environments, free from abuse and neglect.