Positive risk taking is an aspect of a strengths based approach that encourages people to identify their desired outcomes and to work to achieve these outcomes by utilising their own strengths and assets. It gives the adult the opportunity to explore ways to do things they may otherwise completely rule out.

Positive risk taking is characterised by empowering the adult through collaborative working and from discussions about risk and risk-taking. It revolves around the adult’s ability to establish trusting working relationships and with people close to them or in the local community, whereby the adult can learn from their experiences, based on taking chances just like anyone else.

Working positively and constructively with risk depends on a full appreciation of the adults strengths in order to identify the positive resources that underpin the confidence to take risks. Therefore it is important to have a clear understanding of the responsibilities that the adult and support services have in specific situations as well as understanding the consequences of different courses of action.

The adult should be able to make decisions based on a range of choices available, and these decisions should be supported by adequate and accurate information.