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Policy Manual

CHILD PROTECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
Risk Assessment

34-13-2
Essential Components of a Risk Assessment

List of Components The essential components to risk assessment are
  • the risk assessment tool
  • supervision
  • clinical conference
  • recording.

See the sections below for an explanation of each component.
Risk Assessment Tool The risk assessment worksheet identifies five (5) major areas for consideration when the Social Worker is evaluating a case:
  • degree of abuse or neglect
  • child's characteristics
  • caretaker's information
  • family environment
  • degree of cooperation.

Each of these areas is complex and has many characteristics, or factors. It is the interaction of these factors which impact on the child that must be recognized and upon which rests the ability to predict behavior.

The factors have been identified by research and practice as reliable indicators of risk of harm to a child. The list is not exhaustive and will need to be updated as new information becomes available.

By using the risk assessment worksheet, the social work staff can make decisions to guide the Department's intervention with the family.
 Supervision Supervision is a critical factor in child protective services work and an essential component in the risk assessment process.

Supervision is a formal meeting between a supervisor and supervisee for the purpose of

  • providing a structure for discussion of cases and joint decision making
  • assuring casework accountability
  • assuring administrative responsibility
  • providing an opportunity for professional growth through teaching, training, and recognition of subjective opinions.

Cross-Reference: See Chapter 31, "Administrative Issues".
Frequency of Case Review The complexity of the cases and decisions that must be made concerning them require that a Social Worker and Social Work Supervisor meet formally on a regular basis. The frequency of how often a case is reviewed should be based upon the severity of the case and the needs of the Social Worker.

The minumum frequency for reviewing a case is once a week for an investigation and once a month for ongoing services.
Clinical Conference A clinical conference is a formal meeting of case specific participants, including supervisory staff or consultants for the purpose of sharing and interpreting information and making joint decisions, and providing support and accountability.

Some case decisions may involve the Program Supervisor, and the Regional Resource Group.
Recording The recording of facts, observations and conclusions is critical to risk assessment.

Although the risk assessment worksheet provides a snapshot of the case at a particular time and facilitates case decision, it is not intended to replace the need for maintaining an accurate record of contacts and events of the case.

Cross-Reference: Case Activity Notes, Chapter 31, and Uniform Case Record, Chapter 31.

Connecticut Department of Children and Families                                Effective Date: October 1, 1996 (Revised)

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