RISK is an initiative from the Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee (HSJCC).
The purpose of RISK is to bring together diverse service providers to identify situations of Acutely Elevated Risk and prevent negative outcomes from occurring. Service providers rapidly respond and offer wraparound services to individuals with diverse needs who find themselves at risk of criminalization, victimization and/or harm.
What is Acutely Elevated Risk?
Acutely Elevated Risk refers to situations where imminent harm is present. Without immediate intervention, these situations will escalate and a negative outcome such as criminalization, victimization and/or harm is likely to occur.
How it Works
By bringing together diverse sectors (e.g. mental health, addictions, criminal justice, social services, developmental services, etc.), RISK collaboratively resolves situations of Acutely Elevated Risk. Individuals in complex situations, facing multiple risk factors that cannot be addressed by any single agency on its own, are presented. The most appropriate service provider then takes the lead and interventions are planned.
Meeting Frequency
Meetings are held every other Tuesday from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at the Kenora Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Boardroom, 350 Hwy 17 A. Emergency meetings may be called.
All RISK Table discussions strictly adhere to the Four Filter Approach to information sharing. This ensures that information shared during discussions is done in a privacy protective manner.
Four Filter Approach
Filter 1: Internal agency screening
Filter 2: De-identified discussion to assess risk
Filter 3: De-Identified discussion to identify intervening agencies
Filter 4: Collaborative intervention planning among chosen intervening agencies
In Filter 1, an agency will refer a situation to the Table if they believe the situation meets the threshold for Acutely Elevated Risk and requires a coordinated multi-agency response. In Filters 2 & 3, information shared with members at the RISK Table is done in a de-identified format and only details related to risk related circumstances are shared. In Filter 4, intervening agencies receive and share limited identifying information (i.e., name, date of birth, address) to collaboratively plan an intervention.
Individuals offered wraparound services by the RISK Table benefit from faster access to services before harm occurs and may also gain access to services that they were never able to access (or successfully engage) before their situation was brought to the Table. The collective and coordinated efforts of many agencies ensure individuals are connected to the right services at the right time.
"The Kenora OPP greatly values the Table as it provides a strong platform for community partners to support individuals in situations of elevated risk. As partners, we are able to quickly provide needed resources to reduce risk and increase community safety and wellbeing." - Sgt. Jim Neild, Kenora OPP
Bringing together diverse sectors promotes multi-sectoral collaboration and creates greater efficiencies of service. Rather than work independently, partners use collective resources to address situations of Acutely Elevated Risk. Operating as a strategic alliance of human services, members mitigate situations in a timely manner. This practice, guided by common processes has been shown to divert individuals from the justice system and has led to a reduction in case loads, emergency calls for services and emergency department visits.
To find additional contact information and directions to find us please click here.
1 (807) 468-1838