What distinguishes a risk assessment from a safety plan?

• A. A safety plan outlines concrete steps to mitigate risk and protect the client.
• B. A risk assessment is a checklist of resources; a safety plan is a risk score.
• C. They are the same.
• D. A safety plan is only required for minors.

Answer: (D)

In practice, risk assessment and safety planning serve different purposes in addressing danger. A risk assessment focuses on identifying risk factors, evaluating how likely they are to lead to harm, and understanding who is at risk. It helps gauge the level of danger and what kinds of interventions might be needed. A safety plan, by contrast, takes that information and translates it into concrete, actionable steps to reduce risk and keep the client safe. It specifies who will do what, when actions should be taken, and what resources or supports are available if danger escalates. Importantly, safety planning isn’t limited to minors; it is used with adults as well. So the best distinction is that the safety plan operationalizes risk reduction with specific steps to protect the client, based on the assessment.