What is the role of risk assessment in social work practice, and what tools can be used to support it?

• A. Role is to diagnose all possible conditions; tools are only IQ tests.
• B. Role is to avoid talking about risk; tools are mood scales only.
• C. Identify risk factors for harm to self or others, inform safety planning, determine need for supervision or hospitalization. Tools include clinical interviews, structured checklists (e.g., C-SSRS), and clinician-developed risk factors; use collateral information when appropriate.
• D. Role is to escalate always; tools are financial risk assessments.

Answer: (C)