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Real Work Opportunities: establishing an accessible vocational rehabilitation programme within a forensic intellectual disability service
- Authors:
- COX Alyssa, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 5(4), 2014, pp.160-166.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: This paper describes the development of Real Work Opportunities, an inclusive and accessible vocational rehabilitation programme within a forensic intellectual disability service. The programme involved setting up employment and interview workshops, interviews, and interview feedback, and job roles within the secure service, to simulate the real work process. Design/methodology/approach: The paper users a reflective account of the development and implementation of the Real Work Opportunity programme with a forensic intellectual disability population. Findings: The programme was well received by the patients involved and a high attendance rate was maintained over time despite the demands that were expected. Roles have been advertised for two employment periods and have had two sets of successful candidates. Patients demonstrated skills development throughout the employment process, including general work-based skills, punctuality and time management, managing duties, responsibility, specific role-related skills, interpersonal skills and personal presentation. Research limitations/implications: Despite limited experience of work prior to admission, many patients were enthusiastic and motivated to work. The initial trial of the programme has been well received by both patients and staff. Future developments will include widening the number and types of opportunity offered by the programme. (Edited publisher abstract)