CAASP Risk Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the difference between 'risk factors' and 'warning signs' in CAASP youth risk assessment?
- Risk factors are static; warning signs are acute behavioral indicators (Correct answer)
- Risk factors are behavioral; warning signs are diagnostic
- Risk factors are always observable; warning signs are historical
- There is no meaningful distinction between the two terms
Correct answer: Risk factors are static; warning signs are acute behavioral indicators
Risk factors are often historical or static traits, while warning signs are acute, observable behaviors signaling imminent danger.
Question 2: In a CASSP-aligned wraparound process, who is typically identified as the 'voice' that guides service planning and risk decisions?
- The lead clinician
- The child and family (Correct answer)
- The insurance provider
- The school principal
Correct answer: The child and family
Wraparound and CASSP both center the child and family as the primary voice directing care and risk management decisions.
Question 3: A 16-year-old youth expresses passive suicidal ideation ('I wish I were dead') but denies any plan or intent. This presentation most warrants:
- Immediate hospitalization
- Dismissal as non-serious
- Thorough assessment of additional risk and protective factors (Correct answer)
- Medication adjustment only
Correct answer: Thorough assessment of additional risk and protective factors
Passive ideation requires a thorough risk assessment of contributing factors even without an expressed plan, as risk can escalate rapidly.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a 'dynamic' risk factor in adolescent risk assessment?
- History of childhood abuse
- Current substance use (Correct answer)
- Biological sex
- Age of first mental health diagnosis
Correct answer: Current substance use
Dynamic risk factors like current substance use can change over time and are targets for intervention, unlike static factors such as abuse history.
Question 5: A child's risk assessment documents that she has strong religious beliefs that prohibit suicide. This is best categorized as:
- An irrelevant personal detail
- A cultural bias to be avoided
- A protective factor reducing suicide risk (Correct answer)
- A clinical diagnosis indicator
Correct answer: A protective factor reducing suicide risk
Religious or moral objections to suicide are recognized protective factors that reduce risk of suicidal behavior.
Question 6: Under CAASP principles, which practice is most consistent with 'cultural competence' during a risk assessment?
- Using standardized tools without modification regardless of background
- Incorporating the family's cultural beliefs about mental health into the assessment (Correct answer)
- Referring all minority youth to cultural-specific providers only
- Avoiding questions about cultural practices to prevent offense
Correct answer: Incorporating the family's cultural beliefs about mental health into the assessment
Cultural competence requires integrating the family's cultural worldview and beliefs into the risk assessment process.
Question 7: Which finding from a risk assessment would MOST support recommending a higher level of care for an adolescent?
- Family reports occasional curfew violations
- Youth has one supportive peer
- Prior suicide attempt within the last 90 days with ongoing ideation (Correct answer)
- Youth dislikes attending school
Correct answer: Prior suicide attempt within the last 90 days with ongoing ideation
A recent prior attempt combined with ongoing ideation is a major risk factor that strongly indicates need for higher-level care.
CAASP Risk Assessment 3
Which of the following best describes the difference between 'risk factors' and 'warning signs' in CAASP youth risk assessment?