What is risk assessment and management?

Risk assessment is the systematic collection and analysis of information to identify hazards which might cause harm. Following this, a risk management plan is used to put in control measures to reduce the likelihood of an untoward event happening.
Risk assessment and management reduces the likelihood of an untoward (negative) event occurring. However, it cannot completely eliminate risk.
Be aware that levels of risk can fluctuate over time, as such, periodic reassessments should be scheduled in the event that new risk information becomes evident.
Information to inform a risk assessment and management plan can be gathered from a number of sources that include, but are not limited to:
- The child or young person
- Family members
- Patient records
- The multidisciplinary team
- Child and adolescent mental health service providers