Optimizing child protection systems: A systematic review of the literature on risk assessment practices

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a global phenomenon that has affected millions of children, with far-reaching consequences for their development. The assessment of risk has emerged as a fundamental and indispensable component within child protection services. Professionals should use safe and effective risk assessment practices, always prioritizing the best interests of the child. This systematic review aims to elucidate the prevailing risk assessment practices employed by professionals within the child protection systems. The systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Thirteen empirical studies were selected, featuring participants from diverse fields such as social services, health, psychology, and law enforcement. The professionals relied on a multifaceted approach, incorporating clinical judgment, professional expertise, actuarial risk assessment tools, individual interviews with children, adolescents, and family members, as well as the observation of familial dynamics. Moreover, intra- and interinstitutional collaboration played a pivotal role in the comprehensive evaluation of risk. Consequently, the discerned efficient practice appears to be a synergistic effort undertaken by a transdisciplinary team. This collaborative action encompasses the utilization of clinical judgment, augmented by the judicious administration of actuarial risk assessment instruments.