Resolve: a community-based forensic learning disability service specialising in supporting male sex offenders – our model, approach and evidence base for effective intervention
| Pages | 186-194 |
| Date | 12 December 2016 |
| Published date | 12 December 2016 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JIDOB-10-2014-0014 |
| Author | Anne Graham,Celia Harbottle,David King |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Learning & intellectual disabilities,Offending behaviour,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Deviant behaviour,Education,Special education/gifted education,Emotional/behavioural disorders |
Resolve: a community-based forensic
learning disability service specialising in
supporting male sex offenders –our
model, approach and evidence base for
effective intervention
Anne Graham, Celia Harbottle and David King
Anne Graham is a Registered
Manager at the Resolve,
Durham, UK.
Celia Harbottle is a Freelance
Trainer/Consultant at the
Freelance Consultancy,
Morpeth, UK.
David King is based at the
Resolve, Durham, UK.
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to examine a model of effective forensic practice with positive
interventions for men with learning disabilities who have committed serious sexual offences. It outlines the
theoretical and philosophical frameworks which have informed the model of care and support in a
community-based setting and the evidence base for the efficacy of the approach.
Design/methodology/approach –This approach to a community-bas ed forensic learning disa bility
service is informed by systemic practice and underpinned by models of human occupation (Keilhofner,
2008) which informs occup ational therapy and tota l attachment (Harbottl e et al., 2014). This is a
whole systems model for dev eloping compassionate a nd participatory practi ce based on attachment
theory and approaches to professional parenting drawn from foster care settings and prevention
frameworks for adult safeguarding. It uses Klinean Thinking Environments (1999) to give practical
communication to the model.
Findings –The attachment model which underpins both the support for staff and the
framework for scaffolding the care and support provided for service users is building calm, consistent
and respectful relationships. This enables workers and service users to feel accepted through the
availability of support; to feel a sense of belonging and inclusion in which skills and confidence can flourish
helping all to feel more effective. This is evidenced by the stability of the service user group and the
staff team.
Research limitations/implications –The model of whole system care and support care outlined in this
paper can help to provide a therapeutic environment in which men who have committed sexual offences can
develop effective skills within a safe, supportive and effectively managed setting. This is on-going research
but there is evidence of service users and staff in this model of practice, feeling scaffolded, able to enjoy and
achieve progress and personal development.
Practical implications –This model appears to promote stable, sustained, supportive relationships.
Placement breakdown has been minimal indicating that the disruption rate is low and therefore therapeutic
interventions are likely to take place and be effective. This is a hopeful and positive approach which enables
individuals to flourish in a safe environment.
Social implications –The social implications of this model are positive for creating a stable workforce in
an industry plagued with rapid turn over of staff to the detriment of the quality of life for service users.
It creates stability and confidence for the residents allowing them to begin to relax and thereafter achieve
more positive relationships.
Originality/value –This paper examines the application of theoretical frameworks drawn from other
disciplines and fuses them into a therapeutic approach to support this service user group. It is a model that
Received 7 October 2014
Revised 11 July 2016
Accepted 20 July 2016
Conflict of interest: two of the
authors contributing to this Case
Study are directors of the service.
The evidence presented is
percolated through their
experience and observations
combined with external bodies’
overview of the quality and
outcomes achieved through this
model. This paper is therefore
acknowledged as partial rather
than impartial but the findings are
substantiated by external scrutiny
and evaluation.
PAGE186
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JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES AND OFFENDING BEHAVIOUR
j
VOL. 7 NO. 4 2016, pp.186-194, © Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8824 DOI 10.1108/JIDOB-10-2014-0014
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