This document discusses the process for assessing the needs and risks of potential clients. During an assessment meeting, questions will be asked to complete necessary paperwork while creating a relaxed environment. The individual's views are central to the process, and they will be asked to confirm or dispute the assessment findings. The risk assessment aims to establish risk to self, others, and from others, with the goal of managing risk while promoting independence. Specialist expertise may assist in assessments when needed.

1. This assessment tool is used to establish the needs and risks associated with
the individual, and its use is appropriate to the client groups targeted.
During the assessment meeting with the potential client, we will carry out a
formal 'question and answer' session to enable us to complete the paperwork.
A worthwhile and valid assessment requires honesty from the individual and
to promote this openness, we reassure individuals regarding confidentiality.
We will endeavour to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere for this
session. Potential clients may wish to be accompanied by an advocate at this
assessment to assist them as necessary.
At the beginning of the session, we will tell the individual what we are trying to
establish and how we are going to go about it. We will fill in the form during
the session, making comments and judgements on needs and risk from what
we have been told by the individual.
This interview method is designed to place client’s views at the centre of the
assessment process. The person being assessed will be asked to sign the
completed form to confirm that they agree with its contents, and will be offered
a copy of the assessment. Where they disagree with the assessment, this will
be formally recorded.
The risk assessment will seek to establish the client’s risk to self, their risk to
others, and the risk from others. Our intention is to work constructively with
risk and not to use risk assessment to exclude inappropriately. We are mindful
that the assessments should balance promotion of independence with
effective risk management. In making our judgements, we will take into
account the client’s insight into the assessment of needs and risk, and
consider the views of other services and agencies as appropriate. We will
seek specialist expertise to assist us in the process where necessary.