Search results for ‘Publisher:"emerald"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 192
Burden and benefits-related suicides: "misperception" or state crafted reality?
- Author:
- MILLS China
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 21(1), 2022, pp.46-56.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This article aims to focus on deaths by suicide in relation to UK welfare reform as a case study to question one of suicidology's most dominant theories - the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005) and its influential ideas on "perceived burdensomeness" - as well as wider ideologies on suicide and mental health reflected in this approach. Design/methodology/approach: This article draws on evidence from disabled people's campaigning groups (primary sources) and research literature (secondary sources), which shows the negative psychological impact of burden discourse and how this shows up in people's accounts of feeling suicidal, in suicide notes and in family accounts of those who have died by suicide. It uses this evidence to problematise the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005), specifically its ideas about "burden" as an individual misperception, and the assumption that suicide is always the outcome of mental health problems. Findings: The findings highlight the systemic, intersectional and cumulative production of suicidality by governmental "welfare reform" in the UK, through positioning welfare claimants as "burdens" on society. They show that by locating the problem of burdensomeness in individual "misperceptions", the Interpersonal Theory allows the government’s role in crafting stigmatisation and conditions of suicidality to be overlooked and to be reproduced. Originality/value: The article raises urgent ethical questions about the application of approaches, such as the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, to benefits-related suicides and calls for approaches to benefits-related harm and suicide to be rooted in social and disability justice. (Edited publisher abstract)
The Misuse Of Drugs Act – a user perspective
- Author:
- SOUTHWELL Mat
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 21(4), 2021, pp.269-276.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to demonstrate the ways in which the Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA) militates against the interests and situations of people who use drugs. The author reflects on the author’s journey as a drug user, drugs workers and drug user organiser to critique the MDA. The author describes the impact of the MDA on the author’s early experimentation with substances and highlights the limitations of simplistic drugs prevention. The author describes how the MDA maximises drug-related risks and undermines the creation of healthy cultural norms and community learning among people who use drugs. The author talks about the author’s work as a drugs practitioner and mourns the vandalism of the UK’s harm reduction and drug treatment system. This paper describes the opportunity to use drug policy reform as a progressive electoral agenda to begin the journey towards racial and social justice. This paper calls for the rejection of the Big Drugs Lie and the repeal of the failed MDA. Design/methodology/approach: Personal reflection based on experience as drug user, drugs worker and drug user organiser. Findings: Successive UK Governments have used the MDA as a tool of social control and racial discrimination. The Big Drugs Lie undermines science-based and rights-compliant drug policy and drug services and criminalises and puts young people at risk. There is the potential to build a progressive political alliance to remove the impediment of the MDA and use drug policy reform as tools for racial and social justice. Practical implications: The MDA maximises the harms faced by people who use drugs, stokes stigma and discrimination and has undermined the quality of drug services. The MDA needs to be exposed and challenged as a tool for social control and racial discrimination. Delivering drug policy reform as a progressive electoral strategy could maximise its potential to improve social and racial justice. Originality/value: This paper represents the view of people who use drugs by a drug user, a view which is seldom expressed in the length and level of argument shown here. (Edited publisher abstract)
More harm than good? Cannabis, harm and the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Authors:
- POTTER Gary R., WELLS Hattie
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 21(4), 2021, pp.277-288.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to consider the nature of cannabis-related harms under the UK’s Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). Written for the specific context of this four-paper special section on 50 years of the MDA, it argues that the MDA may cause more harm than it prevents. Design/methodology/approach: An opinion piece offering a structured overview of cannabis-related harms under prohibition. It summarises existing evidence of the ways in which prohibition may exacerbate existing – and create new – harms related to the production, distribution, use and control of cannabis. Findings: The paper argues that prohibition of cannabis under the MDA may cause more harm than it prevents. Originality/value: It has long been argued that the MDA does not accurately or fairly reflect the harms of the substances it prohibits, and much existing research points to different ways in which drug prohibition can itself be harmful. The originality of this paper lies in bringing together these arguments and developing a framework for analysing the contribution of prohibition to drug-related harm. (Edited publisher abstract)
From law to regulation: re-appraising the misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Author:
- SEDDON Toby
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 21(4), 2021, pp.289-297.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to re-appraise the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 in order to develop alternative and new ideas for drug law reform. Design/methodology/approach: The approach is to analyse the Act from historical and socio-legal perspectives, drawing on the inter-disciplinary field of regulation studies. Findings: The Act has its roots in radical counter-cultural reform activism in the 1960s. Its innovative legal structure has enabled a diverse range of policy approaches to be possible over the last 50 years. Future drug law reform efforts need to broaden out from a narrow focus on law and also to engage more seriously with the politics of drug law and policy. Originality/value: Drawing on the inter-disciplinary field of regulation studies leads to novel insights about the politics and practice of drug law reform. (Edited publisher abstract)
Fifty years of the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971: the legislative contexts
- Author:
- STOTHARD Blaine
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 21(4), 2021, pp.298-311.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the history of relevant legislation before and after the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA). Design/methodology/approach: A chronological narrative of laws and reports with concluding discussion. Findings: That UK legislators have not made use of the evidence base available to them and have favoured enforcement rather than treatment approaches. That current UK practice has exacerbated not contain the use of and harms caused by illegal drugs. Research limitations/implications: The paper does not cover all relevant documents, especially those from non-governmental sources. Practical implications: The practical implications centre on the failure of consecutive governments to reflect on and review the impact of current legislation, especially on people who use drugs. Social implications: That the situations of people who use drugs are currently ignored by the government and those proven responses which save lives and reduce harm are rejected. Originality/value: The paper attempts to show the historical contexts of control and dangerousness of which the MDA is one instrument. (Edited publisher abstract)
High death rate of older persons from COVID-19 in Quebec (Canada) long-term care facilities: chronology and analysis
- Authors:
- BEAULIEU Marie, GENESSE Julien Cadieux, ST-MARTIN Kevin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 23(2), 2021, pp.110-115.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Among the ten Canadian provinces, Quebec has experienced the most significant excess mortality of older persons during COVID-19. This practice paper aims to present the chronology of events leading to this excess mortality in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. Design/methodology/approach: Documented content from three official sources: daily briefings by the Quebec Premier, a report from the Canadian Armed Forces and a report produced by Royal Society of Canada experts were analysed. Findings: Two findings emerge: the lack of preparation in LTCFs and a critical shortage of staff. Indeed, the massive transfer of older persons from hospitals to LTCFs, combined with human resources management and a critical shortage of permanent staff before and during the crisis, generates unhealthy living conditions in LTCFs. Originality/value: To our knowledge, this paper is the first to analyse official Quebec and Canadian statements concerning COVID-19 from the angle of quality of life and protection of older adults in LTCFs. (Edited publisher abstract)
“Taking it on the chin”: older people, human rights and COVID-19
- Author:
- WILLIAMS John
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 23(2), 2021, pp.86-97.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this article is to discuss the implications of government responses to COVID-19 for older people. Governments in England and in Wales faced complex decisions when responding to COVID-19. This paper considers the impact of their actions on the human rights of older people. It argues that there is a case to answer of potential breaches of the European Convention on Human Rights. Although it is too early to come to firm conclusions as more scientific and medical evidence is required, some actions by governments seem to be based on using age as a basis for decision-making. Human rights are complex, and it is important that claims of violations satisfy the Convention, the Human Rights Act 1998, the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights and other international instruments. Design/methodology/approach: The paper considers the legal framework of the European Convention and its relevance to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and older people. Case law, academic research, guidance and media coverage form the basis of the research. Findings: The governments have a strong case to answer. In defending their positions against allegations of discrimination against older people, they need to produce strong and convincing evidence including medical and scientific evidence that formed the basis of their decisions. Originality/value: This paper is based on original research into human rights, older people and COVID-19. (Edited publisher abstract)
AUDIT Scotland 10 years on: explaining how funding decisions link to increased risk for drug related deaths among the poor
- Authors:
- MCPHEE Iain, SHERIDAN Barry
- Journal article citation:
- Drugs and Alcohol Today, 20(4), 2020, pp.313-322.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: In response to Scottish Government assertions that an ageing cohort explained increases in drug-related death (DRD), the previous research by the authors established that socio-economic inequalities were additional risk factors explaining the significant increases in DRD in Scotland. This paper aims to subject the drug policy narratives provided by Scottish Government in relation to the governance of drug and alcohol services to critical scrutiny and reveal the social consequences of the funding formula used to direct funding to services via NHS Scotland Boards, and Alcohol and Drug Partnerships (ADP). Design/methodology/approach: The paper provides a narrative review in the context of the AUDIT Scotland reports “Drug and Alcohol Services in Scotland” from 2009 and follow-up report published in 2019. The authors refer to the recommendations made in the 2009 report on effectiveness of drug and alcohol services and subject Scottish Government funding processes, and governance of drug and alcohol services to critical scrutiny. Findings: This analysis provides robust evidence that Scottish Government funding processes and governance of drug and alcohol services increased risk to vulnerable drug users and document evidence that link these risk factors to increased DRD. Research limitations/implications: The authors have focused on Scottish drug policy and drug services funding. Alcohol services funding is not subject to critical analysis due to limitations of time and resources. Practical implications: This case study investigates AUDIT Scotland’s recommendations in 2009 to Scottish Government to provide researchers, government policy advisors and media with robust critical analysis that links drug policy decisions to increased DRD. Social implications: Drug policy governance by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland since 2009 have disproportionately affected communities of interest and communities of place already experiencing stark inequalities. These budget decisions have resulted in widening inequalities, and increased DRD within communities in Scotland. The authors conclude that in diverging politically and ideologically from Public Health England, and the Westminster Parliament, Scottish Government drug policy and financial governance of drugs services contributes to increased risk factors explaining DRD within deprived communities. Originality/value: The 2009 AUDIT Scotland recommendations to Scottish Government subject their governance of drug services to critical scrutiny. This analysis provides a counterpoint to the explanations that rising DRD are unconnected to drug policy and drug services governance. (Edited publisher abstract)
Protecting vulnerable adults in Singapore: the creation of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018
- Authors:
- MANTHORPE Jill, CHEN Joanne Liming
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 23(1), 2021, pp.32-44.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the development and content of the Vulnerable Adults Act 2018 (hereafter “the Act”) in Singapore. It reports the parliamentary processes and deliberations. Design/methodology/approach: A synthesis of publicly available research, policy documents, parliamentary debate, media reports and commentary. Findings: The paper sets the Act’s development and aims in Singapore’s social and legal contexts. It notes the interface with other legislation and the focus of the Act on community and family abuse and neglect. Research limitations/implications: The paper suggests some areas for research including how the Act is used and its impact and also points to areas where the Act does not apply. Practical implications: The paper outlines new professional powers and responsibilities and the role of government and community-based organisations. Originality/value: This paper provides an early account of the genesis and aims of the new legislation, its powers and administration. Also, international comparisons are drawn. (Edited publisher abstract)
Narratives of reform: the Mental Health Act (MHA) in England and Wales from the 1983 MHA to the Wessley Review (2018)
- Author:
- CUMMINGS Ian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 22(4), 2020, pp.217-226.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper aims to examine reform of mental health legislation in England and Wales. It covers the period from the introduction of the 1983 MHA to the proposed reforms outlined in the Wessley Review that was published in December 2018. Design/methodology/approach: This is a literature-based project. Findings: Reform of the mental health legislation reflects two potentially conflicting strands. One is the state’s power to incarcerate the “mad”, and the other is the move to protect the civil rights of those who are subject to such legislation. The failures to development adequately funded community-based mental health services and a series of inquiries in the 1990s led to the introduction of Community Treatment Orders in the 2007 reform of the MHA. Research limitations/implications: The development of mental health policy has seen a shift towards more coercive approaches in mental health. Practical implications: The successful reform of the MHA can only be accomplished alongside investment in community mental health services. Originality/value: The paper highlights the tensions between the factors that contribute to mental health legislation reform. (Edited publisher abstract)