What is risk management?

• A. Punishing offenders
• B. Providing social services
• C. Managing likelihood of reoffending
• D. Administrative supervision

Answer: (C)

Risk management in probation and justice is the deliberate process of identifying the chances someone will commit new offenses and taking steps to reduce that likelihood. In practice, this means using assessments to gauge how likely a person is to reoffend and then applying targeted supervision, treatment, and supports to lower that risk. The goal is to protect the public while helping the individual change behaviors, through things like monitoring, addressing underlying issues (like substance abuse or mental health needs), and providing resources such as employment support or housing when appropriate. The other options describe related activities but don’t define the practice of reducing future risk: punishment focuses on consequences after a crime, providing social services are broad supports, and administrative supervision is a method used within risk management rather than the concept itself.