Assessing Protective Factors in Forensic Psychiatric Practice: Introducing the SAPROF

Abstract

In this article, the Structured Assessment of PROtective Factors for violence risk (SAPROF), a structured professional guideline for protective factors, is introduced and the incremental value of this instrument for treatment planning and risk management in forensic settings is discussed. The most important goal of the standardized assessment of protective factors is to complement violence risk assessment resulting in a more balanced and possibly more accurate risk assessment. Furthermore, the positive, strengths-focused approach of the SAPROF may be motivating for both staff and patients, leading to more elaborate and patient-adjusted risk management strategies and improved risk communication.