Who should contribute to the safety plan to ensure it is meaningful and tailored to the individual?

• A. The consumer should contribute ideas with the facilitator.
• B. The Peer Support Specialist creates the plan alone.
• C. The plan should be a generic template.
• D. The plan is optional.

Answer: (A)

Collaborative, person-centered safety planning is what makes a plan truly meaningful. When the consumer contributes ideas with the facilitator, the plan reflects the person’s goals, strengths, preferences, and real-life supports. The facilitator helps turn those ideas into concrete steps—recognizing warning signs, choosing coping strategies that fit the person, outlining who to contact, and detailing actions to take if things feel unsafe. This co-creation builds ownership and increases the likelihood the plan will be used during distress, supporting recovery.

Saying the plan is created by the peer alone misses the essential input of the person it’s for. A generic template doesn’t capture individual triggers, resources, or goals. Treating the plan as optional undermines its purpose for safety and continuity of care.