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Vulnerability and protection talk: systemic therapy process with people with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- POTE Helen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 36(2), June 2011, pp.105-117.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is significant clinical and theoretical interest in the concepts of vulnerability and protection for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and the authors believe that it is important that these issues are addressed in therapy. This study explores the processes by which these concepts were discussed in systemic family therapy sessions. Four videotapes of systemic therapy sessions were evaluated using a qualitative design, incorporating thematic and conversation analysis. The videotapes were drawn from systemic therapy sessions with 3 families with an adult with ID. Vulnerability and protection themes were identified within the therapeutic conversations, including: protection from the disability and its consequences; protection from peers, siblings, and the world at large; and protection from emotionally sensitive topics. Protective strategies were used by all system members throughout the therapy process; key strategies were topic switch and reversals. The authors conclude that clinical practice could be enhanced if therapists reflect on the strategies they employ in addressing protection effectively.
Paid advocacy pays!
- Author:
- LANE Jane
- Journal article citation:
- Llais, 100, Autumn 2011, pp.41-42.
- Publisher:
- Learning Disability Wales
The foundation of Advocacy Matters (Wales) (AMW) began in 1989 as a result of the closure of Ely hospital in Cardiff. AMW provided a Citizen Advocacy partnership to patients which involved preparing and training local volunteers to form a long-term partnership to help their ‘partner’ speak up about their rights and communicate what they wanted. This article discusses the Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) scheme, a part of AMW which was introduced to give significantly greater protection and support to adults from abuse and inappropriate care. Three case studies are presented which detail the need for paid advocacy in people’s lives, each highlighting the positives that a paid advocate can bring to vulnerable adults living in care.
What does vulnerability mean?
- Author:
- PARLEY Fiona F.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(4), December 2011, pp.266-276.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The protection of vulnerable adults has, over the last decade, received increasing attention. This paper investigated the views of 20 Scottish care staff relating to vulnerability and abuse of adults with learning disability. Using semi-structured interview informants perspectives were explored. Whilst the precise definition of vulnerability was hard to determine, the results revealed that most informants felt that people with learning disabilities were all vulnerable and that this definition gave staff the authority to take protective measures to ensure their safety. This desire to introduce protective measures however may result in people with learning disabilities being denied the right to self-determination, thereby limiting their enjoyment of some life experiences and lessening the excitement of life that others take for granted. The article concludes that a more consistent definition of vulnerability, across policy and practice would be beneficial.
The first critical steps through the criminal justice system for persons with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- MERCIER Céline, CROCKER Anne G.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 39(2), June 2011, pp.130-138.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This paper discusses the initial steps of the judicial process for persons with intellectual disabilities who are suspected of a minor offense in the context of the Canadian criminal justice system (CJS). During this stage, plaintiffs, police officers, and crown attorneys make a series of decisions that will have a significant impact on the course of the judicial process. The main objective of this study was to document the criteria that influence dispositions by police officers and crown attorneys about persons with intellectual disabilities in the CJS. A secondary objective was to report suggested improvements to better support them throughout the judicial process. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from the CJS and from service and community organisations. The informants identified a series of implicit criteria that influence the decisions made and dispositions taken in the case of a suspected offence. Suggestions for improvement include early screening for intellectual disability, educating police officers and crown attorneys about intellectual disabilities, a preference for the use of summons to appear over other types of procedures, and drafting memorandums of understanding between various organisations and police services regarding persons with intellectual disabilities. The findings emphasise the need for more effective screening and diversion procedures for persons with intellectual disabilities within the CJS.
What is safeguarding?: easy read
- Author:
- CHANGE
- Publisher:
- Change
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 21p.
- Place of publication:
- Leeds
This easy to read guide is designed to support people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable adults to be aware of how they should and should not be treated. It highlights the importance of how vulnerable adults, and their carers, know about their rights and are empowered to be a key part of plans to stop bullying and abuse. It first describes details on The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2005, and the laws it contains, before outlining what safeguarding is, and how to spot various forms of bullying and abuse including financial abuse, emotional abuse, medical abuse, ‘friend’ crime and discrimination. The guide also presents information on what employers must do to ensure their staff are suitably qualified to help vulnerable adults.
Safety Net: friend or fake?: an easy read guidance booklet about hate crime and mate crime
- Author:
- ASSOCIATION FOR REAL CHANGE
- Publisher:
- Association for Real Change
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 11p.
- Place of publication:
- Chesterfield
Designed for people with a learning disability, families and supporters, this booklet focuses on a type of disability hate crime called 'mate crime'. Mate crime is a type of hate crime done by someone known to a person with a learning disability (a mate may be a friend, family member, supporter, paid staff or another person with a disability), and happens when someone pretends to be a friend but is not really a friend. The easy read guide covers what hate and mate crime are, how to know when a friend is really a friend, examples of disability hate crime, being safe on the computer, what to do if mate crime happens, who and what can help, and how to spot mate crime.
Could planning for safety be a realistic alternative to risk management for those deemed vulnerable?
- Author:
- PARLEY Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 13(1), February 2011, pp.6-18.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Within learning disabilities services, the protection of adults considered vulnerable has received ever increasing attention in recent years. However, there is a lack of clear understanding of the terms vulnerability and abuse. Without proper definitions, it is felt that the development and implementation of adult protection policies will be difficult. In this paper, the views of 20 care staff were investigated using semi-structured interviews. The study aimed to perform a detailed analysis of interpretations of the terms vulnerability and abuse within learning disability services. Overall, findings suggested that most participants agreed that all people with learning disabilities are vulnerable, and that this definition allows staff the authority to take protective measures in order to ensure their safety, based on risk management approaches. In ending, an alternative person-centred approach to safety planning is suggested.
David Cooper: a case study in financial abuse
- Author:
- GREEN Sheree
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 13(1), February 2011, pp.36-45.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article outlines the financial abuse of David Cooper by Sonia Crabb and her boyfriend, Tony Junge. David experienced epilepsy and schizophrenia, and was described in court as having below average intelligence. He had inherited a 190-acre family farm after his father’s death in 1997, before being coerced into transferring the farmhouse, valued at £640,000, to Crabb. The article discusses the indicators that may have alerted individuals and services to the risk of financial abuse, and the measures taken by those aware of David's potential vulnerability. It highlights aspects of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 which may have been relevant to the case in question, and presents appropriate interventions that should have been set up in order to protect David from Crabb and Junge.
The early identification of vulnerable witnesses prior to an investigative interview
- Authors:
- O'MAHONY Brendan M., SMITH Kevin, MILNE Becky
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 13(2), May 2011, pp.114-123.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The purpose of this review and discussion paper is to examine how Registered Intermediaries are used in England and Wales to facilitate communication between vulnerable witnesses or victims (those with an intellectual disability or mental illness) and police investigators or criminal courts. The paper focuses on the need for early identification of these people so that support measures can be put in place from the outset to assist them to provide their testimony. The authors note that real progress has been made through the introduction of legislation, specifically the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act (1999), and the uptake by the police service of the subsequent special measures put in place. However, they warn that the criminal justice service cannot afford to be complacent as research demonstrates that the police and the courts need to be more effective in managing these issues. The paper concludes with recommendations. It is noted that the vulnerable witnesses are also interviewed by other agencies and best practice from policing should be shared, for example with the Independent Police Complaints Commission, HM Customs and Revenue, the Department of Health and the Department of Work and Pensions.
Serious case review: children 'C' and 'D': the executive summary
- Author:
- VALE OF GLAMORGAN LOCAL SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD
- Publisher:
- Vale of Glamorgan Local Safeguarding Children Board
- Publication year:
- 2011
- Pagination:
- 7p.
- Place of publication:
- Barry
This serious case review (SCR) involves 2 children both aged less than 10 years old, C and D, both members of the B family. Mr and Mrs B had been approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Social Services Department’s adult placement service as a host family to provide supported accommodation for vulnerable adults who are unable to live independently and who want to live in a family environment. In 2008, A, a young male aged 19 years with learning disabilities, was placed with the B family. A was the subject of a pathway plan prepared in accordance with the Children (Leaving Care)(Wales) Regulations 2001. About 7 weeks later A was removed from the placement after being accused of sexually abused child D. Shortly afterwards child C reported having also been sexually abused by A, and A was arrested. The purpose of this SCR was to establish any lessons to be learned about the way in which local professionals and agencies work together to safeguard children. The findings show that there were extensive case files on A which documented his history of sexualised behaviour. There was a repeated failure to incorporate this knowledge into transfer summaries, chronologies, or the pathway plan. If information had been shared and acted on appropriately, it is highly likely that the placement of A with the B family would not have gone ahead.