When the Unexpected Happens — Responding When Clients Are at Risk
Practice Library

When the Unexpected Happens — Responding When Clients Are at Risk

Practise how staff in health and social service organisations should respond when clients are at risk, including when a client cannot be located or has self-harmed, with a focus on immediate safety, escalation, privacy and follow-up.

15-20 minutes
Intermediate
Last updated Aug 2026

What You'll Learn

This PracticeLab quiz helps you revisit the essential concepts that guide safe, quality practice. Answer the questions, read the explanations, and build confidence in the knowledge you bring to your role.

  1. 1

    Immediate Safety and Response

    Assess immediate risk and take appropriate action to protect the person.

  2. 2

    Reporting and Escalation

    Know who to notify and when concerns need to be escalated.

  3. 3

    Privacy and Information

    Share information appropriately while protecting privacy and dignity.

  4. 4

    Ongoing Support and Learning

    Document, follow up, support those affected, and learn from what happened.