Signs of safety

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to the Signs of Safety approach—a strengths-based, solution-focused framework that empowers children and families to take the lead in creating long lasting safety, wellbeing and success.

What signs of safety is

Signs of Safety is an innovative, strengths-based approach to child safeguarding. Rather than professionals prescribing solutions, it encourages families and their support networks to identify and implement their own plans to overcome challenges. This method promotes a shift towards building on existing strengths within families.

At the heart of this practice is a belief that children grow best within their families and natural networks, where safety and care can be provided. When that isn’t possible, we are committed to ensuring children experience stability, safety and the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Core principles of our practice

partnership: we work alongside children, families and their naturally occurring networks to build sustainable safety and wellbeing
simplicity and Clarity: we use straightforward, jargon-free language so that children and families can easily understand why professionals are involved and what their goals are
empowerment: families are supported to take ownership of their plans and find solutions that work for them
relationship-Centred: we prioritise honest, compassionate and trusting relationships as the foundation of all successful interventions
child-Centred Planning: the voice of the child is central and shapes all planning and decision-making
inclusion: we involve family and community networks whether a child is at home or in care, supporting lifelong connection and belonging

Signs of safety across our services

While different services may use variations such as Signs of Wellbeing or Signs of Success, the core practice principles remain the same across:

Early Help
Looked After Children
Schools
Fostering and Adoption
Children with Disabilities
Health Services
Voluntary and Community Sector

What you can expect in Westmorland and Furness

When we work with families, you will see us:

leading with a strengths-based approach, honouring what is already working well
clearly outlining what behaviours are causing concern, how they impact the child, and what needs to change
supporting families to build and lead their own safety plans with the help of their networks
ensuring children’s voices are at the centre of all plans and reviews
building genuine relationships that enable sustainable change
encouraging families and networks to solve problems in new, empowered ways—reducing the need for ongoing professional involvement

Feedback from children and families

Below is some feedback we have received from children and families:

“It helped me feel more organised and aware of what needs to happen and when.”
“It made me see relationships differently—I was scared of being alone.”
“She was easy to talk to. I felt she cared—it wasn’t just a job.”
“The social worker wanted to help, not take my children away.”
“The worker listened and wanted things to get better.”
“I’ve never felt this strong—I don’t want to be a victim anymore.”

Our values and beliefs

Our values and beliefs are:

strong, respectful working relationships
a questioning and reflective stance—"thinking critically"
turning big goals into daily practice
families as assets, not problems
creating hope and reducing hopelessness
supporting change with, not for, families
direct work and communication with children
prioritising learning from strengths—not just mistakes

Resources, research and information

These documents were created under the former Cumbria arrangements, but their content remains relevant and useful.

Useful links

Signs of Safety

Signs of Safety Knowledge Bank