Potential risks and dangers

Some of the potential risks and dangers associated with increased independence are:

• Falls and breakages
• Failure
• Fights or perceived offence to members of the community
• Getting lost in the community
• Increased opportunity for suicide (if this has been identified as a risk)
• Increased vulnerability to less benevolent members of our society

Managing risks

The process for managing these risks can include:

Identifying risks - There is not one right way to do this. Some strategies are:

• brainstorming at a staff meeting
• brainstorming with family members
• discussion with specialist staff

Analysing and evaluating risks - Asking questions such as:

• What is the likelihood of the risk?
• What is the consequence?
• What factors affect the likelihood or consequence?
• Is the level of risk acceptable? Not tolerable?

Taking action to minimise the risk - for example:

• Avoiding the risk, eg, no longer undertake the activity
• Reducing the risk, eg, through changing how an activity is done