Can Positive Community Practice Models Help Prevent Abuse?

Abstract

All different types of abuse can happen to people with intellectual disabilities living in community setting. This can include physical abuse, including the use of restrictive practices, financial abuse by strangers but also by family and carers. They can also be victim to sexual abuse. Neglect is a relatively common concern, which is perhaps more likely in the community compared to institutional settings.

In this presentation we will discuss the fundamental balancing act between paternalism an autonomy that is so often an issue when supporting people with intellectual disabilities in the community, and how to decide where to draw the line in individual cases. We will consider a range of examples to illustrate this, including unlawful deprivation of liberty, people choosing life partners that others regard as unsuitable, why families might restrict access to services, and whether giving people more control over their care through direct payments and individual budgets can lead to financial exploitation.

Finally we will discuss potential solutions to preventing abuse including robust Safeguarding procedures, integrated working between health and social services, a program of Positive Behavioral Support, maximizing communication, promoting access to health and the recognition of mental health problems, how to disseminate training, and the importance of advocacy and regular review.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.