Risk assessment in child protection is described as which of the following?

• A. Systematic
• B. Comprehensive
• C. Both systematic and comprehensive
• D. Focused on the occurrence of child maltreatment

Answer: (C)

Risk assessment in child protection relies on a methodical, structured approach and a broad, multi-domain view of factors that affect a child's safety. Being systematic means using a planned process—gathering information from multiple sources, applying consistent criteria, and following steps that reduce bias to determine the level of risk. Being comprehensive means looking beyond whether maltreatment has already happened to consider a wide range of influences: caregiver functioning, family dynamics, child vulnerability, community and environmental factors, cultural context, and protective resources. Together, these elements provide a forward-looking judgment about the likelihood of future harm and the need for protective action, rather than simply documenting past incidents. Therefore, describing risk assessment as both systematic and comprehensive best captures its purpose and practice.