Risk Assessments
We use evidence-based tools and clinical judgment to ensure our assessments meet the needs of legal, forensic, and child protection systems.
What Is A Risk Assessment?
A risk assessment is a structured process used to evaluate the likelihood that an individual may engage in harmful or illegal behaviour in the future. Courts, immigration authorities, child protection agencies, and other institutions often request these assessments to understand an individual’s level of risk. This may include the risk of reoffending, causing harm to others, or engaging in specific behaviours—such as harm toward a particular child.
At Guidepoint Clinic, our clinicians specialize in comprehensive assessments of:
Sexual Offence Risk
Violent Offence Risk
General Risk of Reoffending
Risk of Sexual Harm Involving a Specific Child (commonly requested by child protection services)
What To Expect During A Risk Assessment
At Guidepoint Clinic, each risk assessment is customized to address the specific referral question.
Most assessments involve one to two clinical meetings, typically totaling five to eight hours, along with a thorough review of relevant documentation. Clients may be asked to complete psychological and risk-related questionnaires, which provide valuable insight into their circumstances. Our clinicians also score and interpret standardized risk assessment tools to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based evaluation.
When the referral question relates to concerns around sexual behaviour or thoughts, we can also arrange for phallometric testing to assist with understanding sexual arousal patterns.
Required Documentation
To complete a thorough risk assessment, we request the following documents from the referral source or client (when available and applicable)
risk assessment clinicians
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