Social work intervention with offenders is most effective when focused on _________.

Risk factors can be categorized in a number of ways, but the most common distinctions in forensic risk assessments are between static and dynamic factors. Static risk factors are historical factors that do not frequently fluctuate (i.e., genetic predisposition). Static risk factors include characteristics such as number of previous convictions, age, offense type, age at first conviction, and marital status. Many risk assessment tools are based entirely, or almost entirely, on static risk factors. A problem with such assessments is that it is virtually impossible for the offender to alter his or her risk assessment for the better. Dynamic risk factors are those that can be changed by interventions such as change in living situation, treatment of psychiatric symptoms, abstaining from drug and alcohol use, or access to weapons. Each client presents with a unique set of risk factors that require an individualized plan.