European Social Work Research Association SIG to study Decisions, Assessment and Risk

PurposeThe increasing interest in professional judgement and decision making is often separate from the discourse about ‘risk’, and the time-honoured focus on assessment.MethodThe need to develop research in and between these topics was recognised in the founding of a Decisions, Assessment and Risk Special Interest Group (DARSIG) by the European Social Work Research Association in 2014.Results The Group’s interests include cognitive judgements; decision processes with clients, families and other stakeholders; assessment tools and processes; the assessment, communication and management of risk; and legal, ethical and emotional aspects. This article outlines the founding and scope of DARSIG; gives a brief overview of key dimensions of decision making, assessment and risk,and their connections; and highlights research priorities for the future.DiscussionProfessional knowledge about decision making, assessment and risk complements knowledge about effectiveness of interventions. ConclusionDARSIG promises to be an effective mechanism for the purpose.