Final answer:
Risk assessment means likelihood of future maltreatment when compared with other families with similar characteristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Risk assessment means likelihood of future maltreatment when compared with other families with similar characteristics. It involves evaluating the potential harm to a child based on various factors, including family dynamics, history of abuse, and environmental conditions. Risk assessments help child welfare professionals determine the level of intervention needed to ensure a child's safety and well-being.