Distinguish between safety planning and risk assessment in crisis work. Which statement is accurate?

• A. Safety planning measures probability, risk scoring.
• B. They are identical.
• C. They are unrelated and separate activities.
• D. Risk assessment estimates likelihood and severity of harm; safety planning creates concrete steps to reduce danger and increase the survivor’s control.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how risk assessment and safety planning connect is essential in crisis work. Risk assessment estimates how likely harm is to occur and how severe it could be if it does, using information about danger indicators, context, and available supports. Safety planning then uses that assessment to create concrete, doable steps that reduce danger and increase the survivor’s sense of control—such as safe contacts, escape routes, and access to resources. The two are parts of a coordinated safety response: risk assessment informs what kind of safety plan is needed, and the safety plan operationalizes the actions that address the identified risks. They are neither the same process nor unrelated—each depends on the other to be effective.