Ethical practice requires addressing risk when a client is at risk of harm: which is appropriate?

• A. Ignore risk.
• B. Wait until the client asks for help.
• C. Assess risk and take appropriate safety actions.
• D. Only document the risk.

Answer: (C)

When someone is at risk of harm, you must actively evaluate the situation and act to keep people safe. This means assessing factors like the likelihood of danger, access to means, and the client’s intent, then planning and taking steps to reduce risk. Safety actions can include safety planning with the client, increasing support or supervision, and, when required, involving authorities or others who can help protect the client or others. Documentation is important, but it alone doesn’t address the danger. Ignoring risk, waiting for the client to ask for help, or only documenting the risk fails to meet ethical responsibilities and can put people at real risk. So the best approach is to assess risk and take appropriate safety actions.