ABSTRACT
Atrocities are preventable when we understand the underlying causal issues and develop effective solutions for resolving risk factors. One method for understanding atrocity risk factors and developing prevention tactics is multidisciplinary needs and assets assessment. Such assessments identify discrepancies between actual and ideal states, reveal risks and resiliencies related to the incongruencies, and develop solutions for reaching desired outcomes. This chapter describes how mental health professionals, public health workers, and human rights lawyers can work together with local-level community members as a multidisciplinary team to conduct an atrocity prevention needs and assets assessment that is sensitive to multiculturalism, social justice, and peace promotion. Moreover, the chapter describes core values, foundational competencies, and functional competencies needed to implement these assessments along with a hypothetical example. Finally, the chapter offers implications of this model for education, training, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
