I've recently noticed a pattern in my work across the threat and risk assessment realms - the exclusion of protective factors in risk and threat assessment. It seems to be common practice, and I urge folks to always consider the potential pitfalls of not highlighting these important elements.
There are instruments directly aimed at bolstering our assessments for this very reason. Take the SAPROF, for example – the Structured Assessment of Protective Factors for violence risk. It gives a nice way of structuring information once has gathered through three lens overarching lens. Without getting into detail, these are critical to evaluating the whole person concept, while keeping us in line as we strive for a neutral and robust assessment. It’s also critical to recognize how what may be protective on the surface may actually be functioning as a risk factor.
The PROFESOR, for instance – the Protective + Risk Observations for Eliminating Sexual Offense Recidivism – captures 20 critical elements that along their own spectrums can lean towards the risk or protective ends. Though, be mindful of the population instruments are meant to serve, as the PROFESOR is meant to conceptualize adolescents and emerging adults.
#threatassessment #riskassessment #forensicpsychology #violencerisk #protectivefactors
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