Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is a systematic process used by social workers to identify,
evaluate and manage the likelihood that an individual may experience or cause
harm. It involves gathering and analysing information to understand potential
risks, protective factors and the probability and severity of harm while
supporting informed professional decision making. Risk assessment is a
fundamental aspect of social work because practitioners have legal and ethical
responsibilities to safeguard children and adults while also promoting autonomy,
wellbeing and human rights. Effective risk assessment is dynamic, evidence-
informed and person-centred, recognising that levels of risk can change over
time and should be reviewed regularly (Kemshall, 2002).
The concept of risk assessment became increasingly prominent within social
work during the late twentieth century following high-profile safeguarding
failures and growing public expectations regarding accountability. Increasing
emphasis was placed on identifying and managing risk through structured
assessment processes, multidisciplinary working and evidence-informed decision
making. Modern risk assessment draws upon research from psychology,
criminology, healthcare and safeguarding while recognising that risk cannot be
eliminated entirely but can often be reduced through appropriate intervention
and support (Kemshall, 2002).
A central principle of risk assessment is that practitioners consider both risk
factors and protective factors. Risk factors increase the likelihood of harm and
may include previous abuse, substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental ill
health, social isolation, self-neglect or offending behaviour. Protective factors
reduce the likelihood or impact of harm and include supportive relationships,
stable housing, community networks, positive coping strategies, employment
and access to appropriate services. Effective assessment requires practitioners
to evaluate the interaction between these factors rather than focusing solely on
deficits or presenting problems.
Risk assessment is not simply about identifying dangers but also involves
balancing risk with rights. Social workers must carefully consider an individual's
right to autonomy, independence and self-determination alongside their duty to
protect people from significant harm. This balance is particularly important in
adult social care, where individuals with mental capacity have the legal right to
make decisions that others may regard as unwise. Practitioners therefore
Risk assessment is a systematic process used by social workers to identify,
evaluate and manage the likelihood that an individual may experience or cause
harm. It involves gathering and analysing information to understand potential
risks, protective factors and the probability and severity of harm while
supporting informed professional decision making. Risk assessment is a
fundamental aspect of social work because practitioners have legal and ethical
responsibilities to safeguard children and adults while also promoting autonomy,
wellbeing and human rights. Effective risk assessment is dynamic, evidence-
informed and person-centred, recognising that levels of risk can change over
time and should be reviewed regularly (Kemshall, 2002).
The concept of risk assessment became increasingly prominent within social
work during the late twentieth century following high-profile safeguarding
failures and growing public expectations regarding accountability. Increasing
emphasis was placed on identifying and managing risk through structured
assessment processes, multidisciplinary working and evidence-informed decision
making. Modern risk assessment draws upon research from psychology,
criminology, healthcare and safeguarding while recognising that risk cannot be
eliminated entirely but can often be reduced through appropriate intervention
and support (Kemshall, 2002).
A central principle of risk assessment is that practitioners consider both risk
factors and protective factors. Risk factors increase the likelihood of harm and
may include previous abuse, substance misuse, domestic abuse, mental ill
health, social isolation, self-neglect or offending behaviour. Protective factors
reduce the likelihood or impact of harm and include supportive relationships,
stable housing, community networks, positive coping strategies, employment
and access to appropriate services. Effective assessment requires practitioners
to evaluate the interaction between these factors rather than focusing solely on
deficits or presenting problems.
Risk assessment is not simply about identifying dangers but also involves
balancing risk with rights. Social workers must carefully consider an individual's
right to autonomy, independence and self-determination alongside their duty to
protect people from significant harm. This balance is particularly important in
adult social care, where individuals with mental capacity have the legal right to
make decisions that others may regard as unwise. Practitioners therefore
