Families can use this printable mental health crisis planning PDF to sit down together before things escalate, agree on calming strategies, record emergency contacts, and prepare a clear family safety plan binder. It is especially suited to parents, carers, relatives and trusted supporters of teens, young adults or adults living with mental health conditions.
Having key information written down in advance can make a difficult moment less confusing for everyone involved. The PDF explains how to create a Family Safety Plan collaboratively with the person experiencing mental health difficulties, family members, friends and professionals while the person is stable and able to contribute.
The content covers early warning signs, possible triggers, de-escalation strategies, medication details, treatment choices, trusted supports, professional contacts, safety concerns and plans for siblings or other vulnerable family members. It encourages families to keep the plan visible, practise it, and store supporting information in a safety plan binder.
A practical crisis planning section helps families think through what to do before an emergency, including contacting local police, discussing releases of information, considering power of attorney where appropriate, and understanding rights in emergency departments or inpatient settings. There are also prompts for what to tell first responders, such as requesting no lights or sirens and describing the safest way to approach the person.
The final crisis plan template provides fill-in spaces for emergency resources, the loved one’s location in the home, fears, preferred approaches, advance directives, steps for involving professionals, and thresholds for hospital or 911 support. A short crisis kit checklist includes items such as snacks, clothes, hygiene supplies and things to soothe children.
Parents, carers, family support workers, mental health practitioners and youth transition services may find it useful for home planning, family meetings, carer support sessions or discharge preparation. The tip sheet is from the Transitions to Adulthood Center for Research Family Advisory Board.
