Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 5 of 5
Unprotected, overprotected: meeting the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation: Northern Ireland briefing
- Author:
- WEBB Mary Anne
- Publisher:
- Barnardo's
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- Ilford
One of four nation-specific briefings, this paper presents a summary of the key findings from a UK-wide study, the main aim of which was to increase understanding of how to meet the needs of young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, CSE. These demonstrate the need for policy and practice change in Northern Ireland, as set out in the recommendations from the research that are detailed at the end of this briefing. Key findings include: young people with learning disabilities are vulnerable to CSE due to factors that include overprotection, social isolation and society refusing to view them as sexual beings; and lack of awareness among professionals also contributes to children’s vulnerability. The briefing contains a summary of recommendations for Northern Ireland calling for: the development, revision and implementation of legislation, policy and guidance; awareness raising activities; and ensuring that professionals, practitioners and volunteers in Northern Ireland are better equipped to respond to young people with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk of, CSE. (Edited publisher abstract)
People with a learning disability as trainers: evaluation of a values based pilot training programme
- Authors:
- BLACK Lesley-Ann, ROBERTS Paul
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 37(2), June 2009, pp.129-137.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This article presents the findings of an independent evaluation of a pilot project in Northern Ireland called 'Telling it like it is!' (TILII) conducted over a 2 year timeframe (2005–2007). Seven people with a learning disability were recruited and trained as TILII trainers. With the help of a project facilitator, they designed and presented a values based training programme for staff working in learning disability services. For the purposes of this evaluation, 12 training sessions were evaluated by 119 course recipients who completed feedback forms at the end of the training session they attended. Comments were documented qualitatively and responses were thematically categorised. In addition, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the TILII trainers. Eight course participants also participated in semi-structured interviews. Findings clearly demonstrate that the trainer role has had a positive impact on the trainers; empowering them to become self-advocates and increasing their confidence and interpersonal skills. Course recipients reported that the training was an effective tool for gaining a better understanding of people with learning disability's perspective of their own needs and wishes, and highlighted the values that staff should demonstrate in their work. Additional follow-up evaluation to assess the long-term impact of this training in practice is needed, however it is hoped that more projects of this nature will be adopted in the future.
The development of a protocol for the joint investigation of crimes committed against vulnerable adults
- Authors:
- BAILEY A, MCALLISTER A, MCAULEY W J
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 9(2), April 2004, pp.18-22.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Describes the development and implementation of a joint protocol for the investigation of crimes against vulnerable adults. The protocol was piloted in Northern Ireland by the Police Service and Homefirst Community Health and Social Services Trust. Explains the aims of the protocol, examines the training involved in implementing it and explains the operational arrangements with special attention to capacity and consent, joint investigation, liaison points and review methods. Concludes with an examination of potential future developments.
Cancer prevention and health promotion for people with intellectual disabilities: an exploratory study of staff knowledge
- Authors:
- HANNA L. M., TAGGART L., COUSINS W.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 55(3), March 2011, pp.281-291.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
People with intellectual disabilities are living longer but are also at increased risk of health problems compared to the general population. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of cancer in a population with cognitive impairment and communication difficulties poses difficulties for family and professionals alike. Engagement in health promotion and cancer prevention is also a challenge. This postal survey explored how carers address these challenges. Forty staff, across fifteen residential facilities in Northern Ireland, completed a questionnaire about the risk and protective factors of stomach, breast, cervical and testicular cancer. They then completed questions about 90 adults with ID, recording body mass index, lifestyle choices (i.e. smoking, diet), Helicobacter pylori testing, family history of cancer and staff's health promotion and cancer prevention activities with them. The women had significantly higher BMIs than the men and only two people had been tested for the H. pylori infection. The majority of the staff had not received training in cancer prevention and most were unaware of the family histories of the people in their care. There was considerable variation in how staff approached health promotion and screening for specific cancers. The authors conclude that health promotion and cancer prevention activities for people with ID could be improved. The importance of staff training in order to raise knowledge and awareness is highlighted.
Training in joint investigation of alleged crimes against people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland
- Author:
- PENHALE Bridget
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 4(2), May 2002, pp.21-27.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Reports on the evaluation of a training event conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Homefirst Community Trust. Participants' attitudes were measured prior to and following the training, which was designed to increase awareness of the knowledge and skills necessary for effective joint investigations of alleged crimes against vulnerable adults.