ABSTRACT
The argument for an organized and systematic approach to the understanding, assessment and management of risk is of central importance in social work. Social workers work with uncertainty and should aim to know what they do know well but should also be prepared to admit the extent of their lack of knowledge and work within that restriction. The parallel in social-work training is obvious: students must learn to accept the limitations of knowledge in general and in their own knowledge in particular. The knowledge that social workers have, but more especially the legal powers and responsibilities they exercise, and the resources they control, does give authority and power to determine actions in uncertain and dangerous situations. In the specific helping situations in which social workers operate they should recognize the involvement of other professionals and be prepared to learn from their skills in risk analysis and management.
