Towards the creative management of risk: Perceptions, practices and policies

The present paper examines the importance of risk when supporting individuals with learning disabilities. It uses data from a small research project designed to examine the perceptions of risk held by users, carers and professionals, as well as the risk policies of agencies. Risk is an important issue in the provision of support. The service users in the present study saw risk primarily in terms of hazards. The carers were concerned about hazards and harm, but recognized the need for risk-taking. The professionals emphasized the importance of reasonable risk-taking. Agencies also recognized the importance of risk management, and most had or were developing risk policies. However, most of these policies are based on a restricted approach to risk which emphasizes hazard assessment, and health and safety issues. There was limited evidence of broader integrated approaches to risk management which had the capacity to link and balance safety and empowerment.