This subject considers the most widely accepted approaches, in forensic mental health (FMH), to risk assessment. Subject content primarily focuses upon the prediction of an individual's likelihood of harming others or being harmed by others. Risk and protective factors are examined beyond that of a present based individual level to include an understanding of developmental and environmental factors. The utility and applicability of different risk assessment tools is also considered as a component of an effective functional analysis and more broadly risk management in forensic mental health.
This subject will provide a practical understanding of how risk assessment and management is utilised within forensic mental health. This will include a foundation of the key principles for evaluating risk assessment tools, management processes and professional writing in forensic mental health. This subject will then build upon this foundation to provide students with an understanding of how these principles apply in the assessment and management of different offender populations (violent offending, sexual offending, stalking and juvenile). Students will follow and apply their learning to a number of client case studies across these population groups. They will follow these clients from interview, assessment through to the development of reports which will communicate recommendations for risk management.
Assessment details will be advised at the beginning of the subject offering.