Risk assessment instruments in child protection

Outlines the different approaches used to assess whether children are at risk of maltreatment and explores some of the issues and criticisms surrounding the use of standardised risk assessment instruments in child protection. Summary The purpose of this Resource Sheet is to outline the different approaches used to assess whether children are at risk of maltreatment, as well as to explore some of the issues and criticisms surrounding the use of standardised risk assessment instruments in child protection. Risk assessment in child protection occurs during the processes of notification and investigation. It aims to determine whether a report of concern about a child needs further investigation and which service, or level of intervention, is required to respond