Development and pilot testing of a risk assessment checklist for children of incarcerated parents in Hong Kong.

Children of incarcerated parents (CIP) are exposed to a range of biological, psychological, and social risks, yet existing risk assessment tools do not adequately capture incarceration-specific experiences. This article details the development of a comprehensive, theory-driven risk assessment checklist tailored to CIP aged 6-11, with consideration of the sociocultural context of Hong Kong. The checklist was developed using an integrative framework combining ecological systems theory and the biopsychosocial model. Items were adapted from validated instruments and supplemented with incarceration-specific risk factors identified in prior literature. The tool was iteratively refined through professional review, expert consultation, and pilot testing with frontline social workers. Key design features included a trauma-informed approach, bilingual versions (Chinese and English), age-appropriate formats for children and their caregivers, and a traffic-light scoring system to guide risk classification and follow-up actions. The resulting tool captures multidimensional family-level and context-specific risks, including disrupted caregiving arrangements, stigma, and institutional barriers to parent-child contact. Pilot implementation provided preliminary feedback on the tool's feasibility and acceptability in real-world social service settings. The tool is intended to support systematic risk identification and inform timely intervention. However, its effectiveness and validity require further evaluation. These findings suggest that the checklist addresses a critical gap in existing assessment practices by providing a structured and contextually relevant tool for CIP. The article highlights the value of integrating theoretical frameworks with local contextual factors in instrument development. Further research is needed to establish the checklist's psychometric properties and evaluate its applicability across diverse family and service settings.