What is risk assessment used for in child welfare?

• A. To determine the level of danger to the child and prioritize safety actions and services.
• B. To diagnose medical conditions.
• C. To assign case numbers.
• D. To determine custody.

Answer: (A)

Risk assessment in child welfare focuses on gauging how dangerous a situation is for a child and guiding immediate safety actions and which services should be prioritized. It looks at the likelihood of harm, the caregiver’s ability to protect the child, and available protective supports in the environment. This helps workers determine how urgent the response needs to be, whether the child can remain at home with safety planning, or if removal or other safeguarding steps are necessary, and what help to offer (such as counseling, parenting support, substance treatment, or housing resources). It isn’t about diagnosing medical conditions, which is outside this workflow, nor about simply assigning administrative case numbers. While the findings influence custody discussions, custody decisions come through legal processes; risk assessment primarily directs safety and service priorities.