Contemporary risk assessment in safeguarding children

For anyone involved in the protection and safeguarding of children and young people at any level - risk and risk assessment are key concerns and preoccupations. Yet, across and within the various concerned professional groups, there is an inadequate knowledge base to inform practice, no official guidance, not even shared agreement on what risk means. This book s varied and illuminating perspectives help refine the exercise of professional judgement in estimating and managing uncertainties prospectively, rather than being judged retrospectively. They can assist progress towards: risk assessments that are evidence-based, comprehensive, equitable; risk management strategies with levels of intrusion commensurate to levels of risk; greater shared understanding of terminology. They also: · Explain risk and risk assessment concepts · Explore where risks need assessing · Summarise research and practice wisdom · Examine dilemmas in daily decision-making · Accessibly explore assessment in practice · Consider how lack of guidance leads to inconsistency; how differences in approach cause tension and confusion; and how inherent danger in professional and organisational structures can be addressed · Examine links between strengths (needs)-led and risk assessment practice · Consider emerging dilemmas around rights, protection and responsibilities, and ways of engaging service users · Offer some contemporary risk assessment frameworks. CONTENTS AND CONTRIBUTORS: Preface. Introduction. Contextual considerations. From child protection to child safety: locating risk assessment in the changing landscape Roger Smith Challenging output based performance management in child protection John Devaney Reclaiming the language of child protection: mind the gap: family support versus child protection: exposing the myth Liz Davies Risk, uncertainty and thresholds Chris Beckett Professional judgement and the risk assessment process Anne Hollows Professional dangerousness: causes and contemporary features Martin C. Calder Dimensions of risk: professionals tipping the balance? Phillip Heasman Organisational dangerousness: causes, consequences and correctives Martin C. Calder Promoting professional resilience Jo Clarke Operational considerations Strengths-based risk assessments: locating possibility and transforming the paradigm Clay T. Graybeal and Shelley Cohen Konrad Actuarial and clinical risk assessment: contrasts, comparisons and collective usages Hazel Kemshall Risk and child protection Martin C Calder The three houses tool: building safety and positive change Nicki Weld Risk assessment in adult sex offenders Roger Kennington Young people who sexually abuse: risk refinement and conceptual developments Martin C. Calder Risk in treatment: from relapse prevention to wellness Robert E. Longo Cultural considerations within risk assessment Jo Thakker, James Vess and Tony Ward Involuntary clients and risk assessment: contextual mapping to inform practice responses Martin C. Calder