Seeking to prevent residential care for young people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: examples and early outcomes from the Ealing ITSBS

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present early outcomes and case examples from the Ealing Intensive Therapeutic and Short Break Service.

Design/methodology/approach

The service was piloted over a period of 3.5 years during which clinical data were collected for young people at risk of a move to residential care.

Findings

There were positive outcomes for young people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour who were seen through the service with residential placements prevented in the vast majority of cases.

Originality/value

These early outcomes highlight the importance of providing intensive therapeutic intervention with short breaks in order to prevent family placement breakdown.

Citation

Reid, C., Sholl, C. and Gore, N. (2013), "Seeking to prevent residential care for young people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour: examples and early outcomes from the Ealing ITSBS", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 171-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-01-2013-0003