What Are Signs Of Safety? A Story Of Frustration And A Dream.
Signs of Safety is more than a method. It's a common language built so families are never lost to misunderstanding, mistrust, or cultural ignorance.
Signs Of Safety Grew Out Of Frustration And A Dream
In the 1990s, Andrew Turnell and Steve Edwards worked as social workers in Australia. They saw how many families lost trust in social services, and how conversations between families and professionals were often more about power than collaboration.
The model was created to give social workers and families a common language, where both concerns and strengths are accommodated.
At the same time, they saw something even deeper: how racism, discrimination and historical wounds continued to impact child care. Australia's Stolen Generation children forcibly taken from their families because of their Indigenous identity became a painful symbol of what happens when the system fails to understand people's culture, belonging and dignity.
That's where Signs of Safety was born out of the belief that no family should lose their children to misunderstanding, mistrust or cultural ignorance.
Used In Over 30 Countries Worldwide
From Canada and Iceland to Japan and Sweden, Signs of Safety has become one of the world's most widespread approaches in social work.
No family should lose their children to misunderstanding, mistrust, or cultural ignorance.
Signs Of Safety Isn't Just About Making Social Work Better. It's About Making It Human.
We know that children, regardless of their background, have the same needs: to feel safe, heard, and loved. And we know that parents, regardless of culture, want the best for their children but sometimes they need help finding the way there.
Two Sides, One Shared Goal
Through Signs of Safety, we work to create a balance between protection and belonging between professionalism and humanity.
For Children
Every Child Needs The Same Things
- To feel safe, no matter their background
- To feel heard in decisions that affect them
- To feel loved and to belong
For Parents
Every Parent Wants The Best
- Regardless of culture, they want what's best for their child
- Sometimes they need help finding the way there
- They deserve to be involved, not just scrutinized
A Balance, Not A Trade-Off
Change doesn't happen when people feel scrutinized but when they feel understood and involved.
Protection
Rigorous, legally grounded assessment that keeps the child's safety non-negotiable.
Belonging
Deep respect for culture, identity, and family connection throughout the process.
It's not about pointing out who did wrong, but about building a path forward together where the child can grow up safely, in their own family, their context, and their culture.
Let's Build A Safer, More Human Practice Together
Whether it's training, keynotes, or hands-on support in complex cases, BelongAlways brings Signs of Safety to life in your everyday practice.
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