Decisions, Assessment, Risk and Evidence in Social Work (DARE)

This biennial DARE conference series brings together researchers, managers, educators, policy makers, regulators and experienced practitioners to share developments on the related topics of:

• Professional judgement including cognitive judgement models, use of knowledge, bias and noise, judgements under uncertainty and ignorance, sense-making, reflective practice.
• Assessment tools and processes, including screening, analysis and problem-solving; assessing needs, strengths and risks; statistical and intuitive approaches to predicting harm.
• Decision processes with clients, families, communities, professionals, and organisations.
• Risk assessment, communication, and management, including legal aspects and risk taking.
• Evidence creation, synthesis, and dissemination; the use of knowledge to inform policy, practice, teaching, management and regulation in social work.
• Ethical, emotional, technological and contextual aspects of decision making, assessment, risk and evidence.

This biennial DARE conference series brings together academics, practitioners, and policy makers to share developments on the related topics of decision, assessment, risk and evidence in social work. It is intended that the conference will provide an opportunity to strengthen networks and launch new research and development of initiatives in social work. DARE aims to support the development of professional knowledge and skills for the benefit of clients, families and societies.

We invite researchers, scholars, practitioners, and students to submit abstracts for DARE 2026. Abstract submission deadline is 6 February 2026.

Registration opens on: 13 March 2026. 

* Based on exchange rate on October 23, 2025. Check the current exchange rate.

** https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups