Risk means different things in different contexts and there are many ways in which to conceptualise and manage risk. With risk prediction and management, regardless of the context or professional role there are always innumerable decisions to be made.

When conceptualising risk important decisions need to be made, often in an urgent and critical manner. Professionals working with children and young people who are ‘a risk’ or ‘at risk’ are often fearful of making the wrong decisions, especially when determining levels of risk and the corresponding risk management approach.

It is important that professionals working with vulnerable children take time to critically evaluate the inherent conflict that exists between child protection and child support in terms of ‘best practice’ and the rights of children. A professional’s world view, life experiences and professional knowledge amalgamate to inform their decision-making processes around risk. Despite the fact that professionals should never work with vulnerable children autonomously there is still an individualised response to risk assessment and management process that requires consideration and reflection.

This presentation will offer participants an opportunity to explore concepts of risk based on recent literature available in the field of child protection social work. It will also provide an opportunity for an interactive facilitated reflection on the personal and professional factors that impact on our everyday response to children at risk.