Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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Day services and home care for adults with learning disabilities across the UK
- Author:
- HATTON Chris
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 22(2), 2017, pp.109-115.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper compares data from national social care statistics on day services and home care for people with learning disabilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach: National social care statistics (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) reporting the number of adults with learning disabilities accessing day services and home care were reviewed, with data extracted on trends over time and rate of service use. Findings: Regarding day services, despite some variations in definitions, the number of adults with learning disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland) using building-based day services decreased over time. Data from Scotland also indicate that adults with learning disabilities are spending less time in building-based day services, with alternative day opportunities not wholly compensating for the reduction in building-based day services. Regarding home care, there are broadly similar rates of usage across the four parts of the UK, with the number of adults with learning disabilities using home care now staying static or decreasing. Social implications: Similar policy ambitions across the four parts of the UK have resulted (with the exception of Northern Ireland) in similar trends in access to day services and home care. (Edited publisher abstract)
Child protection services and parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- LALIBERTE Traci, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(3), 2017, p.521–532.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Information about parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the child protection system (CPS) continues to evolve. This study examined characteristics, experiences and representation of parents with IDD across three CPS decision points, as compared to parents with other disabilities and parents without disabilities in the United States. Methods: The sample consisted of 303,039 individuals: 2,081 were individuals identified as parents in a CPS investigation; 1,101 had children in out-of-home care (OHC); and 308 experienced termination of parental rights (TPR). Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, disparity indices and logistic regression were employed. Results: Parents with IDD were significantly more likely than parents without disabilities (but not significantly more likely than parents with other types of disabilities) to experience disproportionately representation. Conclusions: Parents with IDD are generally over-represented within CPS; however, this representation is dependent upon the comparison group utilised and other risk factors. CPS system-level changes are necessary. (Publisher abstract)
The mental health of British adults with intellectual impairments living in general households
- Authors:
- HATTON Chris, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(1), 2017, pp.188-197.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: People with intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning may have poorer mental health than their peers. The present authors sought to (i) estimate the risk of poorer mental health among British adults with and without intellectual impairments and (ii) estimate the extent to which any between-group differences in mental health may reflect between-group differences in rates of exposure to common social determinants of poorer health. Materials and Methods: The present authors undertook secondary analysis of confidentialised unit records collected in Wave 3 of Understanding Society. Results: British adults with intellectual impairments living in general households are at significantly increased risk of potential mental health problems than their non-disabled peers (e.g. GHQ Caseness OR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.25–2.52), P < 0.001). Adjusting for between-group differences in age, gender and indicators of socio-economic position eliminated this increased risk [GHQ Caseness adjusted OR = 1.06, 95% CI (0.73–1.52), n.s]. Conclusions: The authors' analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that the increased risk of poor mental health among people with intellectual impairments may be attributable to their poorer living conditions rather than their intellectual impairments per se. Greater attention should be given to understanding and addressing the impact of exposure to common social determinants of mental health among marginalised or vulnerable groups. (Edited publisher abstract)
A new protocol to assess the subjective wellbeing of adolescents with intellectual disability
- Author:
- BLAKE Grant A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(4), 2017, p.298–308.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Subjective well-being refers to an individual's satisfaction or happiness with their life. The construct is often measured with the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI), which has been adapted for children of different ages, and adults with an intellectual disability (ID). However, there is no subjective well-being measure for adolescents with an ID. This study reports on the PWI-School Children with Intellectual Disability (PWI-SCwID), which trialled a pretesting Likert training protocol to enable valid completion of the questionnaire. From this, it was aimed that the subjective well-being of adolescents with ID would be compared to adults and adolescents without ID, and adults with ID. The PWI-SCwID was administered to 42 adolescents with ID. They had a mean age of 15.86 years (SD = 1.70) and 52% were female. Participants were recruited from special education schools and dance classes for adolescents with Down syndrome. Thirty-seven participants (88%) validly completed the PWI-SCwID. Of the 17 participants with Down syndrome, who are most likely to have moderate to severe intellectual disability, 76% returned valid questionnaires. Comparison of the current sample with other samples of adolescents and adults without ID found no significant differences in subjective well-being. Adults with ID from another study reported lower happiness with their standard of living than the current sample. The higher completion rate reported in this study is likely due to the implementation of training protocols that taught and assessed the participants’ ability to use a Likert-type scale. The high completion rate of participants with Down syndrome suggest that the revised protocols enable the collection of well-being data previously believed to be unattainable. The implication is that evaluating policy and interventions may consider the subjective well-being of a vulnerable group who typically have limited capacity to advocate for themselves. (Edited publisher abstract)
Maternal intellectual disability and infant neglect: child welfare risk assessments in Norway, England and California, USA
- Author:
- TEFRE Oyvind S.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Social Work, 47(7), 2017, pp.2014-2031.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
This paper examines how a sample of 297 child welfare workers in Norway, England and the state of California in the USA assess risk based on a vignette that combines parent intellectual disability and infant neglect. The study combines fixed-choice and open-ended questions. Workers first attach a risk score to the case and then explain in their own words the reasons behind their assessment. Key findings show that workers across all countries agree that this is a high-risk case. However, reasons behind the assessments vary across countries. Californians display a greater range and more uniform reasoning compared to the English and Norwegians, and differ in their concern with mother’s cognitive functioning, and child age and health. English and Norwegians are generally more similar, but differ on attention to social and environmental factors and attention to the mother’s cognitive functioning. The findings are discussed in relation to research on parental intellectual disability, child welfare orientation and familiarity with assessment tools. The study supports existing research on parental intellectual disability in the child welfare system. The author argues that both child welfare orientation and assessment tools are important to understand these differences in reasoning. (Edited publisher abstract)
Who provides primary health care for people with an intellectual disability: General practitioner and general practice characteristics from the BEACH dataset
- Authors:
- WEISE Janelle, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 42(4), 2017, pp.416-421.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Background: People with an intellectual disability (ID) have complex healthcare needs yet experience barriers to participation in primary care. Further research is required to examine if the characteristics of general practitioners (GPs) and their practices influence their delivery of care to people with ID. Methods: Data from the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health program was used to determine if there are significant differences in the ID-GP and Non ID-GP group. Analysis included characteristic-specific rates, chi-square, and odds ratios. Results: This study found that GPs who were Australian medical graduates, practising in rural areas, in accredited practices, and in some states of Australia were significantly more likely to be classified to the ID-GP than the Non ID-GP group. Conclusions: This research suggests that certain GP and practice characteristics may present barriers to primary care participation for people with ID and supports the need for a comprehensive national action framework. (Publisher abstract)
The journey from first inspection to quality standards (1857-2016): are we there yet?
- Author:
- CAMPBELL Martin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 19(3), 2017, pp.117-129.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to qualitatively analyse the inspection and regulation of care for people with learning disabilities and mental health problems in Scotland, in two time periods. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses comparative historical research drawing on primary sources from 1857 to 1862 in the form of Annual Reports of the General Board of Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland and associated papers, to compare inspection methods, quality standards and to identify persistent challenges to effective inspection. Findings: Political, clinical and public awareness led initially to criticisms of existing care and eventually to the development of the “The Lunacy Act” of 1857. This Act resulted in the first attempts to set minimum standards of care for individuals at risk, with enforceable regulation. Some factors recur as challenges to effective practice in the inspection and regulation of care today. Practical implications: There are problems of definition, reliable monitoring of quality standards and adequate, independent inspection of services that respond to unacceptable standards of care. There is a growing evidence base about best methods of inspection of services for people in care who are most at risk. These methods attempt to strike a balance between evidence- and value-based judgments. Perspectives from history may help focus resources. Originality/value: This paper compares common and common challenges in two time periods to investigate what can be learned about the development of policy and practice in inspection and regulation of care. (Publisher abstract)
The health and economic well-being of US mothers with intellectual impairments
- Authors:
- POWELL Robyn M., PARISH Susan L., AKOBIRSHOEV Ilhom
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 30(3), 2017, p.456–468.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: While the United States has seen increased attention by policymakers on the rights of parents with disabilities, there is limited understanding of the health and economic well-being of parents with intellectual impairments. This study compares the health and economic well-being of mothers with and without intellectual impairments. Methods: This descriptive, exploratory study is a secondary analysis of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. This study includes a subsample of mothers of three-year-old children (n = 1561), including mothers with intellectual impairments (n = 263) and without intellectual impairments (n = 1298). Results: US Mothers with intellectual impairments are more likely to report serious health conditions, have less instrumental support, live in poverty, receive public benefits and experience certain material hardships. Conclusion: Findings from this study indicate the need for policies and programmes to support parents with intellectual impairments by addressing their health and economic needs. (Publisher abstract)
Increased risk for mental illness, injuries, and violence in children born to mothers with intellectual disability: a register study in Sweden during 1999–2012
- Authors:
- WICKSTROM Maria, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Child Abuse and Neglect, 65, 2017, p.124–131.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Several studies have demonstrated that mothers with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher prevalence of mental health illness, lower socio-economic status, and a higher risk of alcohol and drug use compared to mothers without ID. The children of mothers with ID are over-represented in child protection and legal proceedings but are generally a less studied group than the mothers. The aim of this study was to investigate if children born to mothers with ID had an increased risk of being diagnosed with mental illness, injuries, and violence compared with children of mothers without ID. The study comprised a population-based cohort of children born in Sweden between 1999 and 2005. Data were collected from the Medical Birth Register and linked with two other national registers; ICD-10 codes were used for medical diagnoses, including ID. The children were followed from birth to seven years of age. In total, 478,577 children were included, of whom 2749 were born to mothers with ID. Children of mothers with ID were at a greater risk of having mental health problems (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74–2.35) and ID (OR = 4.14; CI = 2.95–5.82) in early childhood. They had an increased risk for injuries due to falls (OR = 1.15; Cl 1.04–1.27). The largest risk related to trauma was violence and child abuse (OR = 3.11; CI = 1.89–5.12). In conclusion, children of mothers with ID had an increased risk for injuries, violence, and child abuse. The authors suggest that parents with ID should receive evidence based support so that their children receive the best care and protection. (Edited publisher abstract)