Safety and risk assessment tools for the South African child protection services : theory and practice

Abstract

This article provides a discussion of the theoretical basis underpinning safety and risk assessment in child protection, and further describes the empirical research process involved in the development of safety and risk assessment tools and training materials for social workers in the South African child protection field. The research process is described according to the steps of intervention research. The study confirms a need for uniform safety and risk assessment tools and procedures in social work practice and highlights the critical role of collaboration between researchers and practitioners to enhance social service delivery in the protection of children at risk.