Claire Nagi, Jason Davies and Laura Shine
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, content and structure of an intensive group-based intervention designed to address a range of needs common to individuals…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development, content and structure of an intensive group-based intervention designed to address a range of needs common to individuals within low secure forensic mental health settings. Additionally, the feasibility, acceptability, resource implications and levels of participation and understanding are evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper describes the development, content and structure of an intensive group-based intervention designed to address a range of needs common to individuals within low secure forensic mental health settings. Additionally, the feasibility, acceptability, resource implications and levels of participation and understanding are evaluated.
Findings
Analysis showed that the intervention was well received by staff and participants and that those with low self-report knowledge at the start showed large improvements. Recorded levels of participation and understanding were lower than expected.
Research limitations/implications
Group-based interventions in low secure settings can be developed from existing “what works” information. Such treatments can feasibly be delivered although participants may need support – something which is not reported in many intervention studies. Research is now needed to assess the impact of the General Treatment & Recovery Programme (GTRP) intervention on participants.
Originality/value
The development of treatment programmes for offending behaviour within low secure forensic mental health settings is still in its infancy. This paper outlines and describes the development of such an intervention, namely the GTRP.
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The topic of offender rehabilitation has been subject to much research over the past decade. Numerous meta‐analytic reviews of offender treatment, particularly group treatment…
Abstract
The topic of offender rehabilitation has been subject to much research over the past decade. Numerous meta‐analytic reviews of offender treatment, particularly group treatment based on cognitive behavioural principles, have been reported. Together with the ‘triad of principles’ — risk, need and responsivity — they have formed the foundation upon which most offending behaviour interventions have developed. However, outcome data from existing programmes provides mixed evidence, and evidence for interventions for those in forensic mental health settings are still in their infancy. This paper critically considers the current evidence for the treatment of offending behaviour, and its application in forensic mental health settings, in order to inform development of such treatments in low secure mental health care. Most of the research focuses on non‐mental health settings, and is largely what will be considered here. The paper concludes that low secure interventions need to capitalise on the evidence of ‘what works’ while revisiting key concepts such as ‘dose’ and responsivity in order to design appropriate treatments. Individual outcome evaluation needs to form part of development in this area.
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Leam Craig, Claire Nagi and Roger Hutchinson
Assessment of mental capacity in people with learning disabilities involved in criminal proceedings has been debated, and the introduction of mental capacity legislation in the…
Abstract
Assessment of mental capacity in people with learning disabilities involved in criminal proceedings has been debated, and the introduction of mental capacity legislation in the United Kingdom makes provisions for people who lack the capacity to make decisions about their welfare. However, while the new legislation is designed to protect people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions, it is not clear how this legislation applies in criminal cases where the capacity to consent to sexual relations has been questioned. Until recently there was no clear definition of capacity to consent to sexual relations, and the aim of this paper is to consider the key aspects of this legislation and apply it to a case example. The definitions and assessment procedures involved in assessing ‘mental capacity’ are considered, and practice guidance for mental health professionals working in this field is offered.
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Claire Nagi, Kevin Browne and Johanna Blake
The main aim of the study reported was to explore the nature and extent of bullying at a category C prison. The sample consisted of 51 adult male prisoners, who were asked to…
Abstract
The main aim of the study reported was to explore the nature and extent of bullying at a category C prison. The sample consisted of 51 adult male prisoners, who were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to assess their experiences of victimisation and witnessing bullying in the prison during their time there. The results indicate that more than half (51%) of the prisoners report being victimised and more than three‐quarters (76%) report witnessing bullying. The most common forms of bullying were less direct forms of aggression (for example namecalling and teasing). No significant associations were found between being a victim of bullying and the type of prisoner, or whether the prisoner was new to the prison system.
Claire Nagi, Eugene Ostapiuk, Leam Craig, David Hacker and Anthony Beech
The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive validity of the revised Problem Identification Checklist (PIC‐R) in predicting inpatient and community violence using a…
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive validity of the revised Problem Identification Checklist (PIC‐R) in predicting inpatient and community violence using a retrospective design. The Historical Scale (H‐Scale) of the HCR‐20 was employed to control for static risk factors. The predictive accuracy between predictors and outcome measures was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis. The PIC‐R significantly predicted inpatient violence (AUC range 0.77‐0.92) over a 12‐month follow‐up period but did not predict community violence. Conversely, the H‐Scale significantly predicted community violence (AUC 0.82) but did not predict inpatient violence over a 12‐month follow‐up period. The findings offer preliminary validation for the predictive accuracy of the PIC‐R for violence in a UK inpatient population. Additionally, the findings suggest that short‐term risk of violence within a psychiatric inpatient population may be more related to dynamic and clinical risk variables rather than to static ones.
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Laura Rachel Freeman, Michelle Waldman, Judith Storey, Marie Williams, Claire Griffiths, Kevin Hopkins, Elizabeth Beer, Lily Bidmead and Jason Davies
The purpose of this paper is to outline the work of a service provider, service user and carer group created to develop a strategy for service user and carer co-production.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to outline the work of a service provider, service user and carer group created to develop a strategy for service user and carer co-production.
Design/methodology/approach
A reflective narrative account is given of the process through which the group formed and began to develop a working model aimed at shaping a cultural shift towards more co-produced services. The paper has been co-produced and includes the collaborative voices of service users, carers, multi-disciplinary staff, third-sector representatives, managers and colleagues from associated services.
Findings
The model developed outlines three stages for services to work through in order to achieve meaningful and sustainable co-produced services. The importance of developing associated policies related to such areas as recruitment, payment, support and training is also outlined. Challenges to co-production are noted along with suggested approaches to overcoming these.
Originality/value
The ethos of co-production is relatively new in the UK and so knowledge of the process and model may help guide others undertaking similar work.
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Dafydd Thomas, Megan Stevens and Jason Davies
Domestic abuse (DA) is a major issue with serious psychological, social, societal and economic impacts. Consequently, there has been an increased focus by policymakers and…
Abstract
Purpose
Domestic abuse (DA) is a major issue with serious psychological, social, societal and economic impacts. Consequently, there has been an increased focus by policymakers and multiple statutory and third-sector agencies on addressing harms associated with DA and fostering healthy intimate and domestic relationships. This paper details the development and implementation of a whole family approach to DA set within a community social services setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed description of the development and implementation of a new whole family approach is provided. This includes a focus on the equilibrium programme, an accredited strengths-based, solution-focused group element that has been devised and established for those engaging in harmful behaviours.
Findings
The importance of governance, programme support and practitioner supervision are discussed along with the ways these are used by the service. The evaluation framework presented will enable the impact of the programme to be determined over the coming years.
Practical implications
There is clear need to address the significant problem of DA/intimate partner violence. This paper provides a model and accredited treatment approach to implementing a whole family approach to DA set within a community social services setting. This provides an opportunity for early intervention based on a strengths-based, solution focussed approach to addressing harmful behaviours and building skills and resilience.
Originality/value
This paper details a whole system approach to early intervention with families in which there is DA. Providing input via social care child and family support services prior to legal involvement provides an opportunity to avoid an escalation of harms. It also enables solutions to conflict to be found which take account of the relationship between parents and children.