Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 11
Policy and learning disabilities: a Scottish perspective
- Author:
- BROWN Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(1), March 2007, pp.22-25.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article outlines the development of legislative and policy frameworks in Scotland with a particular focus following political devolution. The impact of these changes and developments on the lives of people with learning disabilities are discussed.
Learning disability and the Scottish Mental Health Act
- Authors:
- WELSH Heather, MORRISON Gary
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 11(2), 2017, pp.72-82.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 for people with learning disabilities in Scotland, in the context of the recent commitment by the Scottish Government to review the place of learning disability (LD) within the Act. Design/methodology/approach: All current compulsory treatment orders (CTO) including LD as a type of mental disorder were identified and reviewed. Data was collected on duration and type of detention (hospital or community based) for all orders. For those with additional mental illness and/or personality disorder, diagnoses were recorded. For those with LD only, symptoms, severity of LD and treatment were recorded. Findings: In total, 11 per cent of CTOs included LD as a type of mental disorder. The majority of these also included mental illness. The duration of detention for people with LD only was almost double that for those without LD. A variety of mental illness diagnoses were represented, psychotic disorders being the most common (54 per cent). Treatment was broad and multidisciplinary. In all, 87 per cent of people with LD only were prescribed psychotropic medication authorised by CTO. Originality/value: There has been limited research on the use of mental health legislation for people with learning disabilities. This project aids understanding of current practice and will be of interest to readers both in Scotland and further afield. It will inform the review of LD as a type of mental disorder under Scottish mental health law, including consideration of the need for specific legislation. (Publisher abstract)
Adult protection in Scotland in 1857 and in 2015: what have we learned?
- Author:
- CAMPBELL Martin
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 18(2), 2016, pp.96-108.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to compare recent developments in adult protection legislation, policy and practice in Scotland in 2015 with the first attempts at protection of adults at risk of harm, in 1857-1862, with a particular focus on people with learning disabilities. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses comparative historical research, drawing on primary archive material from 1857 to 1862 in the form of Annual Reports of the General Board of Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland and associated papers. Findings: Growing public awareness of the extent of neglect and abuse, and the need for overarching legislation were common factors in the development of both the “The Lunacy Act” of 1857 and the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act of 2007. Both pieces of legislation also had the common aim of “asylum”, and shared some other objectives. Practical implications: Total prevention of abuse of vulnerable adults is an aspiration in law and in policy. There is an evidence base of effectiveness, however, in protecting adults at risk of harm from abuse. Some ecological factors recur as challenges to effective safeguarding activity. These include problems of definition, uncovering abuse, enforcing legislation, evaluating impact and protection of people who are not a risk of harm to others. Originality/value: This paper compares common themes and common challenges in two separate time periods to investigate what can be learned about the development of legislation and practice in adult protection. (Publisher abstract)
Learning disability policy in the UK
- Authors:
- WHITEHEAD Simon, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 13(3), October 2008, pp.4-11.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article provides separate, but linked, overviews of learning disability policy in the four countries of the UK, commenting on current policy and its links to the wider policy agenda, delivery strategies and challenges for the future.
Some victims less equal than others
- Author:
- HIGGINS Kate
- Journal article citation:
- SCOLAG Journal, 346, August 2006, pp.162-163.
- Publisher:
- ScoLAG(Scottish Legal Action Group)
The author, from Capability Scotland, discusses the failure of the Scottish Executive to include hate crime in the Sentencing Bill and how it effects the equal treatment of victims.
Voting and the Scottish referendum: perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities and their family and paid carers
- Authors:
- WILLIS Diane S., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Disability and Society, 31(7), 2016, pp.914-928.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Voting is a human right for every citizen yet many people with intellectual disabilities do not vote or have little support to exercise their right to vote. This article explores views on the wider aspects of voting against the backdrop of the Scottish referendum using focus groups involving people with intellectual disabilities (n = 12), family carers (n = 7) and paid carers (n = 5). Findings revealed that people with intellectual disabilities had similar concerns to the general population about the referendum. Regarding voting, all groups identified the need to discuss issues and for practical support and accessible information to ensure informed choices were made when voting. (Publisher abstract)
Neglecting justice? Exploring Scottish convictions for ill-treatment and wilful neglect
- Authors:
- GODWIN Christopher, MACKAY Kathryn
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 17(4), 2015, pp.234-244.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper explores the perceived low number of Scottish criminal convictions in cases of ill-treatment or wilful neglect of adults where the victims experienced mental disorder, and/or incapacity. Human rights and anti-discrimination legislation are drawn upon to consider whether victims are gaining equality of access to justice through the charging and conviction of those who commit these offences. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses the concept of parity of participation to first set out the wider legal framework in which access of justice takes place and to try to determine how it may be working in practice. Second the paper explores Scottish guidance, research and case law in relation ill-treatment or wilful neglect to evaluate the seeming lack of progress towards criminal convictions. Findings: Whilst the legal framework appears to promote equality of access to justice, little is known about how it is working in practice; in particular whether cultural barriers to participation are being addressed. Evaluation of Scottish statistical data on cases of ill-treatment and wilful neglect revealed a small number of cases progressing to court though there were challenges in constructing a pathway from charges to convictions. There also appeared to be no Scottish legal opinions published in connection with these cases. In addition lack of research means that little is known about why cases progress, and how victims might be being supported through the process. Research limitations/implications: It is suggested that these gaps in information, in comparison to England and Wales, might be hindering practice. In particular the apparent lack of operational definitions for ill-treatment and wilful neglect in Scotland may reduce the use of this type of criminal offence. As such criminal offences embedded within civil mental health and mental capacity legislation may currently be hidden in plain sight. The human rights consequences of the issues raised in this paper are argued as significant. Research is needed to fill these gaps and inform future guidance and training. Practical implications: Improved Scottish guidance and publicity of this issue is required. Local inter-agency discussions and training could develop a better understanding of how these offences have been defined and how disabled people might be supported through the legal processes. The Scottish publication of statistical information for charging and convictions might usefully record these offences separately to give them a greater public profile in the future. (Edited publisher abstract)
Models of support for people with learning disabilities post-secondary school
- Author:
- MURPHY Eoin
- Publisher:
- Northern Ireland Assembly. Research and Information Service
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 30
- Place of publication:
- Belfast
This paper provides a general overview of the approach taken by the countries of Scotland, Sweden, Canada and the USA in supporting people with learning disabilities and Special Education Needs (SEN) who have completed secondary education. The countries were selected as examples of some of the most advanced in the way in which they provide support for people with learning disability who wish to continue their education or enter training or employment. The paper was produced for the Committee of Employment and Learning as part of its inquiry into post Special Educational Need provision in education, employment and training for those with Learning Disabilities. (Original abstract)
Improving the mental health of people with learning disabilities in Scotland: putting policy into practice
- Authors:
- SIMPSON Neill, WHORISKEY Margaret, McCUE Michael
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(1), March 2007, pp.26-32.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Service systems for people with learning disabilities in Scotland have developed in the context of the Scottish legal system and devolved policy for health. Scottish organisations are responding to the spectrum of mental health needs by working in partnership to improve quality. This article describes this system and the key organisations, and presents some findings of the National Overview Report of services undertaken by NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.
Think local act vocal
- Authors:
- HOPKINSON Patrick, POLLOCK Linda, COYLE David
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Care, 1(7), March 1998, pp.220-221.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
The NHS white papers for England, Wales and Scotland herald a completely new framework for the organisation and delivery of health care services. Commentators from the field outline the main points, and analyse the implications for mental health and learning disabilities services.