What can be a consequence of overlooking a client's history in risk assessment?

Overlooking a client's history in risk assessment can lead to significant gaps in safety planning. Understanding a client's background, including previous experiences, trauma, and patterns of behavior, is crucial for identifying potential risks and formulating effective safety strategies. A comprehensive risk assessment takes into account past incidents and behaviors, enabling social workers to anticipate and mitigate future risks. When this vital information is ignored, the safety planning may be incomplete, leading to insufficient or ineffective interventions that do not adequately address the client’s unique needs and circumstances. This can ultimately jeopardize the client's well-being and safety, reinforcing the importance of a thorough review of their history when assessing risk.