What is the primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment in case management?

The primary purpose of conducting a risk assessment in case management is to identify potential harm to the client or others and develop safety plans. This process is critical for ensuring the well-being of clients, especially those dealing with severe behavioral health issues. By systematically evaluating risks, case managers can pinpoint specific dangers—such as self-harm, harm to others, or environmental hazards—that may affect the client's safety and stability.

Moreover, acknowledging these risks allows case managers to proactively develop and implement safety plans tailored to the individual’s needs. This not only empowers the client by involving them in the safety planning process but also enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment approach by addressing immediate safety concerns.

While evaluating funding and assessing performance are important aspects of case management, they do not hold the same level of urgency or priority as ensuring the safety of the client and those around them. Similarly, determining the best treatment modality is significant but comes after the critical step of assessing and mitigating risks to ensure that any interventions provided are safe and appropriate given the context of identified risks.