Risk And Prioritisation Analysis

Risk Assessment & Prioritisation Procedures
When a client comes to you with a huge concern, it is your job as that individuals community/social worker to conduct an initial assessment according to the situation. Depending on the client’s level of risk and what they may be experiencing will influence the assessment of risk. Below are examples of risk signs and indicators that your client can be experiencing.
Indicators of risk:
• thrill-seeking behaviour
• suffering loss or experiencing guilt
• anxiety triggered by relations and social developments
• depression
• mental issues or disorders
• isolation from community and family support
• social hostility and anger towards oneself
• anti-social behaviour and defiance.
The following things are
important when conducting a risk assessment:
• Establish an honest and open working relationship with your client/s.
• Maintain trust between you, your client and significant others.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Be empathetic to sensitive situations and the needs of your client.
The following criteria could be used to prioritise risk:
• Injury needing medical attention has happened.
• Grave hurt is to be expected to happen.
• The individual has disclosed that they are being abused.
• The individual (child, kid, teenager) does not have a parent/carer who is able or willing to care for them.
The decisions to take action based on the result of a risk assessment is entirely based on your supervisors decisions as they have authority to make decisions based on the outcome of risk assessments. If you believe abuse and/or neglect has occurred, further assessment helps to make decisions.