The "harms test" is an assessment used to evaluate whether a person may harm or put at risk a child or vulnerable adult. It is not strictly defined by legislation but generally refers to actions or behaviors that could cause harm or pose a risk of harm, such as physical abuse, sexual offenses, neglect, or grooming behavior. The test aims to determine if there is credible evidence or reasonable grounds to believe that harmful conduct has occurred or could occur, justifying protective actions or referrals even without conclusive proof.
In a related context, the "harm-benefit test" assesses the severity and likelihood of harms, such as to animals in scientific research, weighed against the expected benefits to decide whether the harms are justified by the benefits.
Thus, the "harms test" generally assesses the presence or risk of harm, primarily for safeguarding purposes, while harm-benefit analysis weighs harms versus benefits in decision-making contexts.
