Parent Caregiver Safety Materials

What to Look For

Recognizing early signs of distress allows you to offer support before a situation becomes more serious. Trust your instincts. If your child seems “off,” withdrawn, or unusually upset, check in.

Possible warning signs include:

• Unexplained injuries or attempts to hide sharp objects.
• Talking, writing, or posting about death or wanting to disappear.
• Intense anger, irritability, or sudden mood changes.
• Withdrawing from family or friends.
• Fascination with weapons, violence, or disturbing online content.

Responding with Care

When a child shares painful feelings or behaviors, your calm, supportive presence can make an enormous difference. This section focuses on relationship-based responses that help your child feel heard and safe.

Ways to respond compassionately:

• Stay calm. Your tone communicates safety.
• Listen without judgment.
• Validate feelings: “Thank you for telling me. I know this is really hard.”
• Ask open-ended questions: “Can you tell me what’s been going on”?
• Avoid punishment. Instead, focus on safety, connection, and support.

Creating a Safer Home

Virginia residents may request safety devices, including medication lock boxes and firearm cable locks, where funding and availability allow, and be connected to their local Community Services Board.

• More info at Lock & Talk

Limiting access to dangerous items is an important way to reduce the risk of impulsive behavior during a crisis. Medications and firearms should always be kept locked. Double check that the following items are stored safely:

• Medicines & Household Substances - Lock up all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, cleaning supplies, toxic products, alcohol, cannabis items, and inhalants.
• Firearms & Related Items - Store firearms locked, unloaded, and out of reach, with ammunition locked separately. Secure all accessories, keys, combinations, and lockboxes.
• Sharp Items -Secure knives, scissors, razors, grooming tools, and small pointed objects like pins or broken glass.
• Strangulation Risks - Store items such as belts, ropes, cords, plastic bags, and anything that can hold weight or hang loosely.
• Other Hazards - Store tools, lighters or matches, small appliances with long cords, and heavy objects safely.

Daily Safety Practices

• Use lockboxes, safes, or locked cabinets.
• Remove unnecessary sharp items or strangulation hazards from bedrooms and bathrooms.
• Supervise the use of sharp or risky tools.
• Choose safer alternatives (e.g., electric razors, precut foods, safety scissors, cordless blinds).
• Check periodically for hidden items.
• Monitor online activity, social media, and messages for concerning themes.
• Increase supervision during times of crisis or stress.

Building Your Support Team

You don’t have to navigate your child’s distress alone. A strong support network helps your child feel heard, understood, and surrounded by care.

Helpful members of your team may include:

• Your child’s school counselor.
• A pediatrician or primary care provider.
• A therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist.
• Local mental health providers or crisis services.

Reaching out early, before a situation escalates, can make a meaningful, potentially lifesaving difference.