Facilitator: Dr Lorraine Johnstone (UK)

Forensic mental health settings are increasingly being required to demonstrate fidelity to evidence based practice by means of policies and protocols. To date, despite the fact that risk assessment is a core function of forensic services, most organisations have yet to articulate a policy statement and corresponding protocol on risk assessment practice. Arguably, the absence of a ratified process leaves clinicians, managers, patients and the public vulnerable. Without a clear statement, it can be difficult to secure the necessary resources and clinical governance is impossible. This workshop integrates theoretical, academic and professional experience of policy writing in order to provide delegates with a framework from which they can work towards developing a risk assessment policy to suit their own service needs and requirements. Using a range of didactic and interactive teaching, delegates will be able to begin the process of defining what and why a risk policy is needed in their setting as well as the guiding principles underlying the content and format of their policy. In addition, considerable time will be spent emphasising the need for an appropriate implementation plan to ensure the policy exists in practice as well as paper. This workshop will be suitable for clinicians, managers, policy makers and other professionals involved in setting, implementing and governing standards pf practice in violence risk assessment.