What is the purpose of a safety plan in child maltreatment cases?

• A. To punish the caregiver
• B. To ensure the child's immediate safety and outline steps to reduce risk while investigations proceed
• C. To delay investigation
• D. To determine custody

Answer: (B)

A safety plan is about protecting the child right away and reducing risk while the investigation unfolds. It provides concrete, time-limited steps to keep the child safe, such as supervising visits, ensuring a safe alternative placement if needed, and coordinating with caregivers and service providers to address risky situations. The goal is immediate protection and risk reduction during the investigative process, not punishment, not delaying the investigation, and not making custody decisions. The plan can be adjusted as new information emerges to keep the child safe.