Risk Assessment and Planning

Risk can be broadly defined as 'the probability that an event will occur with beneficial or harmful consequences'.

Risk-sensible not risk-averse practices should be followed when completing any risk assessment so a realistic and proportionate approach to risk is in place which enables children and young people to grow and learn.

Risk Assessments in Children's Social Care is the process of identifying, analysing and managing potential risk that could impact on wellbeing and safety of children and young people. It informs professionals ability to make decisions about intervention require to manage and reduce harm.

There are still times when others need to intervene, and risks are unacceptable and should be avoided.

Risk assessments should be collaboratively developed by all agencies involved in Children's Social Care. The child's social worker must ensure that foster carers and residential staff receive the most up-to-date risk assessments relevant to the child or young person in their care. Carers should be actively involved in the risk assessment process and should follow the guidance outlined in the assessments provided for them or the child they support.

The purpose of any risk assessment is to identify and manage potential risk of harm and evidence that these risks are now minimised. It should consider all the risks as well as control measures that need to be in place; it should be fit for purpose and consider every issue relevant.

Risk assessments should be completed in relation to premises, equipment used for the child such as oxygen use in the household, animal ownership, risks from other people and activities such as holidays.

Level of Risks helps to determine the severity of concerns in order to inform control measures.

Risks can be seen as the following:

• Low - where something may be likely, but the consequences are likely not to have a huge impact;
• Moderate - where the consequences may be high but specialist support or skills can mitigate the risk;
• High - where the risk cannot be mitigated.

Control measures take the form of Advice, Protect and Avoid.

• Advice - where skills, appropriate training for foster carers/residential staff, supervision and observation can reduce the risks;
• Protect - where specific equipment or specialist expertise can support the situation such as hoists, fire doors, advice in relation to moving and handling, signage;
• Avoid - where the risk cannot be mitigated by advice and protection.

All risk assessment should state what the risk is and how it will be safely managed. All risk assessments should be signed and dated and reviewed when situations change.

Looked after children and young people may have experienced significant life events that impact their care needs, safety, and well-being. A risk assessment as a tool helps in identifying and managing potential risks ensuring appropriate support is in place  to keep them and others safe.

While a risk assessment cannot eliminate all risks or predict every situation, it plays a key role in preventing incidents and guiding carers and professionals in managing challenges effectively. Foster carers and residential care staff should proactively seek guidance on managing dangerous behaviours rather than relying on assumptions or hoping for the best.

See also: Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support Procedure.

All known risks should be identified before placing a child or young person.

When social workers complete a Placement Referral form, it must include a risk assessment outlining:

• Known risks, including past behaviours and vulnerabilities;
• The Likelihood and severity of risks occurring;
• Strategies to manage risks in different environments;
• A clear distinction between factual information and professional opinion;
• Foster carers and residential homes must feel confident in their ability to provide appropriate and safe care before accepting a child or young person into their care.

The risk assessment will inform the placement matching process and ensure that any risks posed are known and can be managed by the foster carer/Home. The risk assessment should distinguish between fact and opinion. The risk and frequency of risk should be recorded and how this should be managed in different environments. All known vulnerabilities should be recorded for the child and set out any actions to address these risks. The foster carer/Home should feel they can provide the child with appropriate and safe care.

Risk Management and Review

• Risk Assessment should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in circumstances, behaviour or worries;
• It is the responsibility of the social worker to ensure all professionals involved including foster carers and residential staff have access to the most up to ate risk assessment of the child or young person;
• Foster carers and residential staff should contribute to risk assessment to ensure it reflects daily realities of care for the young person.

Risk levels may change over time so risk assessment must be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain effective. Foster carers/residential staff should play an active role in risk assessment reviews, contributing insight based on their daily care experience.  

While previous risk should be considered, children/young people should not be permanently labelled based on past behaviour. The level of risk should be continuously reassessed.

Changes in risk should be considered through supervision sessions with social workers; through risk management meetings and as part of child in care reviews.

The placement plan must consider identified risks and outline how they will be managed for both planned and emergency placements. If risks escalate, additional intervention may be necessary to keep the child or young person safe.

Training should be provided to carers and staff on how to complete a risk assessment to aid them in considering how risks and control measures should be addressed.

The plan should include preventative and responsive strategies to address both foreseen and unforeseen risks. 

If a child/young person moves to another placement the risk assessment should follow them and be updated as appropriate.