Handle with care: providing pre-trial therapy for adults with learning disabilities
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the provision of therapy for witnesses who have a learning disability prior to and following a criminal trial. Authors will reflect on clinical practice whilst stressing that this area of work is in its infancy and both continue to learn through continued reflection and each new experience.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper broadly describes the nature of pre-trial therapy followed by reflection by a Counsellor and Supervisor on their clinical practice.
Findings
Authors describe some of the common themes that arise whilst providing pre-trial therapy.
Social implications
The authors hope that the paper will encourage professionals involved in Safeguarding cases to fully consider the emotional needs of victims and to seek timely therapeutic support where the need presents. They also hope that it will encourage practitioners from various professions to consider providing this specialist and delicate type of therapy whilst highlighting the need for good supervision.
Originality/value
There is a paucity of written information about this specific subject area. Although safeguarding of vulnerable adults has grown considerably over the last decade and investigations are now more likely to lead to legal action, the availability of emotional support for victims who have learning disabilities needs to be addressed.
Keywords
Citation
Le Roux, C. and Leach, M. (2014), "Handle with care: providing pre-trial therapy for adults with learning disabilities", The Journal of Adult Protection, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 232-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAP-08-2013-0035
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited