When It Is Used
Use this for marked deterioration when usual coping may no longer be enough but before crisis-level support is the focus.
When Things Are Breaking Down Plan
The When Things Are Breaking Down Plan is a ready-to-send escalation planning tool for practitioners supporting a person during marked deterioration. It helps the person identify escalation signs, preferred responses, support needs, and boundaries for periods when usual coping may no longer be enough.
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Tool guide
Learn more about this tool
Use this background section to understand when the tool fits, how practitioners use it, and what to consider before sharing it with clients.
What It Captures
The plan captures escalation signs, preferred responses, support needs, boundaries, and discussion flags for unclear items.
Important Limits
The tool does not infer crisis status, create emergency directives, score risk, or replace a separate Crisis Plan.
Is this the same as an Early Warning Signs plan?
No. This plan is for a more serious breaking-down state, distinct from ordinary stressors or early warning signs.
Is this a Crisis Plan?
No. It supports proportionate action before crisis and does not substitute for a separate crisis preference plan.
Can boundaries be unresolved?
Yes. Support boundaries can be marked for practitioner discussion while the partial plan is preserved.