Case Study: Application of Risk Assessment Tools in Safeguarding

Background

Maria is a 78-year-old woman living alone in a suburban area. She has a history of diabetes and mobility issues that limit her ability to perform daily activities independently. Her son, who used to visit and assist her regularly, has recently moved to another city for work. Neighbors have expressed concerns to local social services about Maria’s welfare, mentioning that she seems to be increasingly isolated and has been observed to have bruises on her arms and legs. A social worker, Alex, is assigned to assess Maria’s situation and determine the necessary interventions.

Initial Assessment

Alex visits Maria at her home to conduct an initial assessment, using a structured professional judgement (SPJ) tool designed for assessing risk in older adults. The tool prompts Alex to consider a range of factors, including Maria’s physical health, mental state, social support, living conditions, and any signs of abuse or neglect.

Findings

1. Physical Health: Maria’s diabetes is not being managed effectively, and her mobility issues have worsened, increasing her vulnerability to falls and injuries.
2. Mental State: Maria appears to be lucid but shows signs of depression and anxiety about her son’s absence and her ability to manage on her own.
3. Social Support: Maria has limited contact with the outside world since her son moved away, relying on infrequent visits from neighbours.
4. Living Conditions: Maria’s home is in a state of mild disrepair, with hazards that increase her risk of falls. The bruises observed by neighbours are consistent with her having fallen several times.
5. Signs of Abuse or Neglect: There are no immediate signs of intentional abuse, but the lack of adequate care and support constitutes neglect, given Maria’s health conditions and needs.

Risk Level

Using the SPJ tool, Alex determines that Maria is at a high risk of further harm due to her physical health issues, social isolation, and unsafe living conditions. The risk of self-neglect is identified as a significant concern, requiring immediate intervention.

Intervention Plan

Based on the assessment, Alex develops a multi-disciplinary intervention plan:

1. Healthcare Referral: Alex arranges for a community nurse to visit Maria to assess her healthcare needs, particularly focusing on diabetes management and mobility support.
2. Social Support: Alex contacts local community groups that provide social support and companionship for older adults, arranging for volunteers to visit Maria regularly.
3. Home Safety Evaluation: A referral is made to a local agency that conducts home safety evaluations and modifications for older adults, aiming to reduce the risk of falls.
4. Family Engagement: Alex attempts to engage Maria’s son and other relatives in her care plan, emphasizing the importance of their involvement for Maria’s well-being.
5. Ongoing Monitoring: Alex schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor Maria’s situation, ensuring that the interventions are effective and adjusting the plan as needed.

Conclusion

This case study illustrates the application of risk assessment tools in identifying and managing risks to vulnerable individuals within the context of safeguarding. By conducting a comprehensive assessment and developing a tailored intervention plan, social workers like Alex can address the multifaceted risks faced by individuals like Maria, enhancing their safety, well-being, and quality of life.

Challenges and Considerations

While risk assessment tools are invaluable, professionals must be aware of their limitations. Reliance solely on tools without considering the broader context or without integrating professional judgement can lead to oversights. Furthermore, ethical considerations, such as respecting individuals’ rights and privacy, must guide the use of these tools.

Conclusion

Risk assessment tools are pivotal in safeguarding, offering structured ways to evaluate and manage potential risks. However, their effectiveness depends on their appropriate application within a holistic, informed, and sensitive safeguarding practice. By combining these tools with professional judgement, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and an understanding of the individual’s context, safeguarding professionals can more effectively protect vulnerable individuals from harm.