Plans of Safe Care
What is a Plan of Safe Care (POSC)?
The goal of the Plan of Safe Care is to strengthen the family unit, help mothers have a healthy pregnancy, and keep child(ren) safely at home. It is also:
- A personalized guide to ensure necessary resources are provided to help families thrive
- A tool that helps communicate strengths, needs and accomplishments to providers
- A tool to help with care coordination.
Who could benefit from a POSC?
The Plan of Safe Care was designed for pregnant women with substance use disorders and families of infants who may have been substance exposed during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women with an active substance use disorder should receive a POSC during pregnancy.
- Any families with infants born exposed to substances with the potential of misuse should receive a POSC. Families with infants who experience withdrawal, even to prescribed medications (e.g., methadone, benzodiazepines) should receive a POSC.
- The POSC should be developed for infants and their families whether or not they require a report to Social Services.
*Note: Federal law requires that infants born affected by substance misuse, withdrawal or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum (FASD) receive a Plan of Safe Care that supports their families as well.
Where can I find a POSC template?
- Hospitals: Orange County Sample Hospital POSC Form (created by OC Social Services Agency)
- Prenatal Providers: Orange County Sample Prenatal POSC Form (created by Families Together of Orange County)
For more information:
- Building a Plan of Safe Care in the Medical Setting
- What is a Plan of Safe Care (POSC)?
- Who could benefit from a Plan of Safe Care?
- Who develops and adds to the POSC?
- Where can I find a POSC template?
- Which families require a POSC?
- When is a report to Social Services required?
- How do I determine if safety risks exist?
- 5 Ways to Improve Care Using Plans of Safe Care
- Implement Universal Screening
- Take a Family-Centered Approach
- Disrupt Stigma
- Plan for Transitions/Discharge Planning
- Advance Equity and Inclusion
Referrals for POSC Support
Health care providers can refer families to HCA Community & Nursing Services (Pregnant and Parenting Support Programs; 714-834-7747) to assist with the POSC by providing coordination, follow-up and linkages.
