What are some of the emerging trends and innovations in risk assessment and referral?

1 Digital tools

One of the most noticeable trends in risk assessment and referral is the use of digital tools, such as apps, websites, chatbots, and online platforms, to facilitate the process. These tools can offer several benefits, such as increasing accessibility, reducing stigma, providing real-time feedback, and personalizing the content and delivery. For example, some apps can help users assess their own level of stress and trauma, and provide them with self-help strategies or direct them to appropriate resources. Some websites can offer online screening tools, information, and referrals for various mental health issues. Some chatbots can use artificial intelligence to engage users in a conversational way, and provide them with emotional support, coping skills, and guidance. Some online platforms can connect users with trained professionals or peer support groups, and offer secure and confidential communication.

2 Trauma-informed care

Another important trend in risk assessment and referral is the adoption of trauma-informed care, which is a framework that recognizes the prevalence and impact of trauma, and promotes safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in service delivery. Trauma-informed care can help CISM practitioners to understand the diverse and complex needs of trauma survivors, and to avoid re-traumatizing them during the risk assessment and referral process. For example, trauma-informed care can help practitioners to use respectful and compassionate language, to respect the autonomy and preferences of the clients, to establish clear and consistent boundaries and expectations, to provide information and education about trauma and recovery, and to collaborate with other agencies and professionals who can offer specialized support.

3 Culturally responsive practice

A third trend in risk assessment and referral is the development of culturally responsive practice, which is a way of working that acknowledges and respects the cultural diversity and identity of the clients, and adapts the service to their needs and preferences. Culturally responsive practice can help CISM practitioners to enhance their cultural competence, awareness, and sensitivity, and to avoid cultural biases, stereotypes, and assumptions. For example, culturally responsive practice can help practitioners to use culturally appropriate communication styles, to understand the cultural meanings and expressions of trauma and distress, to recognize the cultural strengths and resources of the clients, to involve the clients' family and community members if desired, and to refer the clients to culturally relevant services and supports.

4 Evidence-based interventions

A fourth trend in risk assessment and referral is the integration of evidence-based interventions, which are methods or techniques that have been proven to be effective and safe by scientific research. Evidence-based interventions can help CISM practitioners to ensure that they are providing the best possible care and outcomes for their clients, and to avoid harmful or ineffective practices. For example, some evidence-based interventions that can be used or recommended during or after the risk assessment and referral process are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and psychological first aid (PFA).

5 Ethical standards

A fifth trend in risk assessment and referral is the establishment and adherence of ethical standards, which are principles or guidelines that govern the conduct and responsibilities of CISM practitioners. Ethical standards can help CISM practitioners to protect the rights and dignity of their clients, to maintain their professional competence and integrity, to avoid conflicts of interest or dual relationships, to respect confidentiality and privacy, to obtain informed consent, and to report any abuse or harm. For example, some ethical standards that can be followed or consulted during the risk assessment and referral process are the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Code of Ethics, the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

6 Future directions

A sixth trend in risk assessment and referral is the exploration of future directions, which are areas or topics that need further research or development to improve the quality and effectiveness of CISM. Future directions can help CISM practitioners to identify the gaps and challenges in the current practice, to seek new knowledge and skills, to innovate and collaborate with other disciplines and sectors, and to respond to the changing needs and demands of the society. For example, some future directions that can be pursued or supported in the field of risk assessment and referral are the evaluation of the outcomes and impacts of CISM interventions, the development of standardized tools and protocols for risk assessment and referral, the incorporation of new technologies and modalities for service delivery, the promotion of resilience and post-traumatic growth among trauma survivors, and the advocacy for social justice and policy change.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?