WillisPalmer has developed a sound reputation in the field of sexual abuse and domestic violence risk assessment, based on the Directors' combined experience in this field , which spans over twenty years. We are frequently commissioned by local authorities and solicitors to provide expert reports in respect of adults, young people and children who might pose a sexual or violence risk to others.
Our risk assessments are based upon structured professional judgement; self-report questionnaires; actuarial matrices and psychometric testing. All our Consultants have attended specific post-qualifying training in respect of risk assessment models. Their backgrounds derive from local authority children and family social work; probation; the prison service and the NSPCC.
Assessment of Adults who pose a potential sexual risk to children
WillisPalmer has adopted the Risk for Sexual Violence Protocol (RSVP: Hart, Kropp and Laws 2003) as the structured professional judgement tool for risk assessment. The RSVP is a validated set of structured professional guidelines which includes 22 risk factors against which the respondent is assessed. It can be applied in a range of contexts including community based assessment of risk. We are also able to undertake assessment of adults found to have viewed child abuse images on the Internet. We use as a clinical guide the work of Quayle and Taylor from the COPINE project when assessing so-called Internet offenders. As part of our assessment we are also able to assess the capacity of the offender's partner to protect children from any risk present. Thus we will present a full report which includes detailed analysis and recommendations for future risk management.
Assessment of Young People displaying sexually harmful behaviour
WillisPalmer has adopted the Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offence Recidivism (ERASOR Version 2). The ERASOR is an empirically based clinical judgement assessment tool designed to predict adolescent sexual recidivism. Whilst the ERASOR is used to assess risk of recidivism, the 25 risk factors outlined within the assessment framework are also supported in studies designed to assess the main characteristics found in the adolescent sex offending population. While this population is heterogeneous in nature, indication can be given of an adolescent’s likelihood or pre-disposition to behave in a certain way based on characteristics or traits which are present.
We are also often asked to make judgements on children’s sexual behaviour and comment on their placement and therapeutic needs arising from this. An emerging area of work, there is a dearth of research and practice wisdom in this field. However, our consultants have specific experience in this area and we have developed both practice experience and training packages.
In line with our other sexual abuse risk assessment protocols we have adopted a structured professional judgement tool, Assessment Intervention Moving on (AIM Model) to assist in the evaluation of children’s sexual behaviour.
Assessment of Domestic Violence
We are able to assess risk of violence in a range of situations including:
- Domestically violent individuals
- Men at risk of being aggressive towards adultsand/or children
- High risk child protection/physical abuse cases
- Parents with serious forensic histories