Risk of Harm to Others
A structured psychological assessment focused on evaluating risk-related concerns involving potential harm to others within a defined clinical, institutional, legal, or workplace context. The assessment is guided by the referral question and safeguarding requirements, with clear scope, method, and stated limitations.
Structured harm-to-others risk formulation
A risk-of-harm-to-others assessment is conducted when concerns arise about potential harm to others and a structured, clinically grounded opinion is required. The assessment considers relevant risk indicators, protective and mitigating factors, contextual variables, and referral constraints. Scope is defined carefully so conclusions remain aligned to the referral purpose and documented limitations.
- Risk indicators current and historical factors relevant to harm-to-others concerns.
- Protective factors mitigating influences and contextual safeguards.
- Referral-aligned scope clearly defining what the report must address.
- Documented limitations to ensure defensible, context-specific conclusions.
What this assessment covers
General guidance for referral contexts, components, reporting outcomes, and safeguarding scope. For urgent safety concerns, contact emergency services or appropriate authorities.
When to refer
Context
When concerns about potential harm to others require structured assessment and documentation for safeguarding, institutional, legal, or workplace decision-making.
Appropriate settings
Referrals
Clinical and institutional settings, legal processes, and workplace contexts where formal risk-related reporting is required.
Typical components
Process
Referral clarification, structured clinical interview, relevant validated tools where appropriate, and integrated formulation describing risk level, context, and contributing factors.
Reporting outcomes
Reporting
Safeguarding-focused documentation summarising context, background, methods, findings, and conclusions aligned to the defined risk questions, with scope and limitations clearly stated.
