The aim of risk assessment is to prevent child abuse or neglect form occurring, or prevent further harm, if harm has already occurred.

1. Module 6:
Assessing risk
of harm

2. What's happening
TO
the child
Remember.......
What's happening
AROUND
the child The aim is to prevent
child abuse or neglect
from occuring or
preventing further harm
of harm has already
occurred.

3. What's happening AROUND the child?
It's important that we recognise the 'red flags' of when a
child may be at risk of harm.
Red flags may exist in different contexts including:
• Child
• Home
• Family/parent
• Community
The risk of harm increases when there are multiple red
flags.

4. Other factors that may increase the risk of abuse
• Parent history of being abused or neglected as a child
• Physical or mental illness, such as depression or post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD)
• Family crisis or stress, including domestic violence and other marital
conflicts, or single parenting
• A child in the family who is developmentally or physically disabled
• Financial stress, unemployment or poverty
• Social or extended family isolation
• Poor understanding of child development and parenting skills
• Alcohol, drugs or other substance abuse.