Managing Risk In Social Work

Risk is “a situation involving exposure to danger” (Oxford English Dictionary, 2017). Managing risk is vital in social work to prevent the situation from deteriorating. However, it is not always possible to prevent risks. People are faced with risk decision-making in their personal and professional lives. Professional decisions about risk require a good amount of skills and knowledge that can be learnt and improved. Whilst assessing and managing risk, we must ensure that we safeguard individuals so that they can live free from abuse or any sort of danger. Social work risks can be separated into two groups. The first is the risks that people present to others and the other is the risks which people are exposed to (Kemshall, Wilkinson & Baker,

For example, if an individual is suicidal, it is important to decide what needs to be done to safeguard the individual while making sure they are treated right with the correct support in place, taking in to consideration their rights and working in a multi-disciplinary team to manage the risk under pressure. S.4 of the code emphasises on the importance of risk assessments, following the correct policies and procedures to examine whether the behaviour of the individual presents any risk of harm to themselves or others. It also states the importance of taking the necessary steps to minimise the risks in place (Social Care Wales,

However, it is not vital for social workers to follow. One of the principles included in the code is ‘assessing and managing risk’. Social workers following this code should understand that individuals using their services can take risks and therefore, social workers should allow individuals to identify and manage their own risks. Social workers should do this to promote independence and self-worth. It is crucial to know that social workers must only take actions that go against their rights when it is ethically and legally justifiable (British Association of Social Workers,