Risk assessment
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should be aware of different risk assessment models.
Risk and assessing that risk is a complex part of a social worker's role. It is also a hugely necessary part though as once the level of risk has been assessed, appropriate interventions can be planned.
There are models though, that you can use to guide you through the complexity of risk assessment. This quick guide by Stan Houston discusses these models in relation to child protection social work.
Reflective Questions
- To what extent is risk assessment affected by the 'fear factor' i.e. the fear of something going wrong or being blamed?
- To what extent is risk in social work seen as a negative construct rather than an opportunity for growth and change?
- To what extent can social workers be in the business of predicting risk?
- To what extent has a focus on risk obscured a concentration on service users' needs?