Because CPS risk assessment grew out of the needs of practitioners and administrators, different localities frequently developed risk assessment tools based on their own criteria. Considerable diversity of opinion resulted about what risk assessment is and what constitutes the best type of risk assessment. Annual roundtables have been organized by the American Public Welfare Association to improve practice and research in CPS risk assessment. Roundtables over the past 10 years have focused on common and emerging themes in risk assessment, a risk assessment model in Washington State that demonstrates the promise and reality of risk assessment, and variations in the level and success of risk assessment by State. Roundtables have also considered theoretical and practical problems in assessing risk associated with the possible reoccurrence of child maltreatment in Canada and the U.S. Navy's Family Advocacy Program risk assessment model. References, tables, and figures