What is a Danger Statement?

A Danger Statement is the overall evaluation and assessment of the danger threats collectively. The statements of danger are the agency’s bottom-line statements of what must be different for the parents in order for intervention to cease. These statements are constructed with the family and are generally worded using language that everyone (both professional and family) can understand as the best chances for change occur when everyone can readily understand each other and work as a team.

What is the purpose of a Danger Statement?

A Danger Statement is used to identify what must change with respect to the diminished Caregiver Protective Capacities associated with Danger Threats. The information gathered during the exploration and engagement phases with the family will help provide ample background information so that this Danger Statement can be individualized according to the family’s strengths and needs.

Utilizing “What” questions will help you to formulate the Danger Statement:

• What is happening that requires child welfare involvement?
• What is the threat?
• What must be different?

Tips on writing a Danger Statement:

• Focus on specific, observable behaviors
• Avoid blame statements (i.e. Mary is not taking prescribed medication or attending appointments with the psychiatrist)
• Avoid terms that show judgment (i.e. she is controlling, he is in denial, she is an alcoholic, etc.)

Examples of Danger Statements:

• Sara’s depression was out of control. Sara was not able to provide Ella with supervision due to her depression. Sara is aware of her depression and the danger for Ella when she does not have supervision, as Ella is dependent on Sara for protection. (mental health)
• Bill’s anger is out of control, and he is aware that he has trouble controlling his anger and other emotions. Bill exercises excessive discipline and has struck the children with objects, leaving marks/bruises. The father disclosed that he uses alcohol and marijuana to deal with his emotions. (physical abuse/substance abuse)