Design and implementation of the DAP 360 tool for the assessment of risk and vulnerability in childhood and adolescence

Abstract

Introduction. Child maltreatment is a worldwide problem with serious consequences that can last a lifetime. It is essential to efficiently detect and assess child maltreatment to optimise professional decision-making processes. Nonetheless, the decentralisation of services, a lack of scientific and objective rigour in diagnoses together with partial and disrupted assessments can hinder the adoption of effective protection measures. Aim. The objective of this study was to present the design and content validation process of the DAP 360 , a tool designed to complement professional assessment and declaration of risk/vulnerability in childhood and adolescence. Methodology. The study applied scale development design and included three main steps: item construction, theoretical analysis, and psychometric assessment. We combined qualitative and quantitative techniques. More than 300 professionals and experts working in different child and adolescent care services in the Valencian Community participated in this process. Results. DAP 360 is a modular tool structured into two main sections, 15 dimensions, and 97 risk and protection indicators. This tool allows professionals to establish a complete diagnosis of all risk and protection areas of children and adolescents. It is a rigorous, consistent, and reliable instrument for the assessment of risk situations in childhood and adolescence. It allows the identification of the severity ranges of the situations faced by the child/adolescent and the unification of the different areas ranging from risk to vulnerability. Additionally, the tool contemplates protective factors that could compensate risks. DAP 360 brings together, via a software tool, the assessment of risk and/or vulnerability in childhood and adolescence, the real-Time coordination of professionals and institutions, the establishment of ranges of severity - as it balances protective and risk factors in the diagnosis -, and links intervention objectives with the responsible services and resources. Conclusions. The construction of valid and reliable assessment instruments promotes faster diagnostic processes, allows to invest in prevention, and warrants more objective decision making, fostering a better coordination among professionals, resources and intervention levels. Moreover, efficient risk and vulnerability detection and assessment in childhood and adolescence permits better structuring of interventions, case reassessments, and the development of successful action plans according to each specific case. The assessment by different professionals in real time is a determinant factor, given that it allows designing interventions in line with manifested capabilities and shortfalls. The effects on the quality of life and well-being of children and adolescents, as well as of their families will be significant.