The signs of safety framework in child protection practice: A systematic review

While the Signs of Safety (S of S) framework has gained widespread recognition as a strengths-based approach aimed at improving engagement between practitioners and families in child protection practice, empirical evidence regarding its impact on child safety outcomes remains limited. This systematic review evaluates the outcomes of the S of S framework in practice. Following the PRISMA statement, the review includes 11 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2023, reporting primary research involving families, experts and practitioners implementing the S of S framework. Key findings reveal that the S of S framework fosters trusting relationships between practitioners and families, contributing to greater family engagement in safety planning. The framework’s emphasis on solution-focused practices, transparency, and collaborative decision-making enhances family motivation and participation, which may support safer practice processes within child protection. However, challenges remain in balancing family autonomy with statutory requirements, particularly in high-risk situations where resistance or disengagement may hinder the effectiveness of the framework. The findings suggest that while S of S promotes positive change, further refinement is necessary to address the practice challenges and the connected organisational implementation issues more effectively.