This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for and conduct assessments of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) clients to determine eligibility, service requirements and referral needs. This includes knowledge of factors affecting assessment for a range of different client groups including different genders, youth, older people, mandated and voluntary clients, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. This unit applies to people involved in the assessment of clients with AOD issues using established organisation or jurisdictional AOD assessment tools. Topics: Legal and ethical considerations (international, national, state/territory, local) in AOD work, and how these are applied in organisations and individual practice. Requirements related to client registration, allocation and referral. Context for the provision of services – agency role, agency target group and the impacts on the local community. Risk assessment processes in relation to interventions for people with drug and/or alcohol and co-existing issues. AOD assessment tools. Client information required for assessment and the scope and depth of information needed. Common co-existing conditions and associated issues relating to assessment of people with drug and/or alcohol issues. Factors for consideration when working with different types of clients. Considerations when working with clients at risk of self-harm, suicide or with mental health issues. Professional responsibilities when presenting cases fall outside of practitioner’s current scope. How to apply pharmacological factors to the assessment process.