Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors — Safety Planning and Response — Clinical Pathway: Primary Care

Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors Clinical Pathway — Primary Care

Safety Planning

For optimal care, the team should consider reviewing child's safety, environment and staff roles in supporting the child once child's behavior is identified.

Team effort roles fluid/overlap in roles with goal of supporting the child and family.

Role Responsibility
PSR/MA/RN/Provider Notify staff immediately upon arrival to reduce wait time.
MA/RN/Provider
  • Minimize stimulation; Environmental adjustments
    • Room child immediately upon arrival
    • Place child in room in less trafficked area of office
  • Assure safety
  • Minimize time in office
RN/Provider
  • Perform brief initial evaluation together
  • Interview parent/caregiver about successful interventions
  • Review chart for existing Behavior Safety Alert
Child Life
By referral - Send an Epic staff message to Amb Child Life
  • Behavioral management strategies
  • Communication with child's family and care team
Social Work
When available
  • Psychosocial history
  • Communication with family, care team and medical home
  • Discharge/transfer

Safety Response

  • If unable to de-escalate child, consider ending the visit or calling HMHK or Social Work if providers are on site
  • If staff and child's safety are at risk, consider contacting 988 (Suicide/Crisis lifeline),
    Security or 911