Positive Practice In Police Custody by Cleveland Liaison and Diversion Service

Transcription

1 Positive Practice In Police Custody by Cleveland Liaison and Diversion Service Philip Strange Team Manager Alex Major Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

2 Contents L&D Overview How the team is set up in Cleveland Case Study of positive practice Role of SLT Further case study of positive pactice Moving forward Questions?

3 Liaison and Diversion Overview Working Definition: Liaison and diversion is a process whereby people of all ages in contact with the youth and criminal justice systems are screened and where appropriate assessed or referred for assessment, so that those with mental health problems, learning disabilities, cognitive disorders, substance misuse problems and other vulnerabilities are identified as soon as possible in the justice pathway. Previous Mental Health / Learning disability provision. Operational since June 2014

4 Liaison and Diversion Overview Early identification of individuals needs / vulnerabilities Improved access to healthcare and support services for vulnerable individuals. Facilitating engagement. Diversion of individuals (where appropriate) out of criminal justice system. The reduction of re-offending.

5 Cleveland L&D All age L&D provision Middlesbrough and Hartlepool Custodies and Teesside Magistrate Court Mental health / Learning disability nurses, identified CAMHS nurses, a social worker, support worker, admin and a Speech and Language Therapist. Operate 8am-8pm, 7days a week / 365 days a year. Identification of need Self screening / Referrals

6 Inclusion Criteria Diagnosed or Suspected mental health or learning disability, including ADHD/Autism Risks including self harm / suicide Substance misuse Speech, language & communication needs Social Issues Housing / Finances All Juveniles Safeguarding / Vulnerability POLIT

7 Volume of Work March 2017 May 2017 TOTAL 751 Deemed to be vulnerable Screened and Assessed 476 (including 76 Juveniles) (Including:- Custody / Court / YOT)

8 Custody (Process) Custody Risk Assessment L&D screening process MDT Assessment Liaison / Diversion Triage / Follow up

9 Magistrate court (Process) Court Lists (Remand / Bailed) Court Reports Court Provision Probation

10 Youth Offending Teams Engaging with Young People YOT / Court / Custody Pre / post sentence

11 Support Worker Role All Vulnerabilities Support Engagement Triage

12 Voluntary Attenders Voluntary Interviews New developments / Pilot Appropriate adults

13 Case Study A 22 year old male arrested for several offences over a short period of time, including theft, drunk and disorderly, possession of substances. No Mental Health / LD diagnosis, though had been assessed several times at point of crisis but no follow up arranged. L&D assessed in police custody. Identified several needs / concerns including Substance use, housing issues, health and wellbeing issues.

14 Case Study A L&D formulated a court report L&D attended court to give verbal feedback. He was given a community sentence. The Judge gave positive feedback to L&D during the court hearing. He has since engaged with substance use services facilitated by L&D. L&D also supported him to acquire more suitable housing and also referred him onto a local organisation whom support young people to meet the needs identified.

15 Speech and Language Therapy in Liaison and Diversion Provide communication assessment, support and advice to colleagues within Liaison and Diversion Provide communication support to patients, their families and their wider world. Refer onto appropriate services for intervention

16 Supporting the CJS Following assessment instant feedback regarding communication skills given to custody sergeant, interviewing officer, appropriate adult and solicitor where appropriate. A court report detailing communication skills, reasonable adjustments and risks leading to communication breakdown is sent. Should the patient/client be sentenced liaison with prison services or probation occurs.

17 Case Study B 19 year old male arrested for drunk and disorderly. Diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Disorder No available therapeutic support/intervention service within the area at this time. Seen for mental health and vulnerabilities assessment in custody.

18 Case Study B Communication assessment highlighted specific difficulties which would impact upon his ability to understand and participate in CJS. Liaison with police staff re: difficulties and support offered. Liaison with L and D support worker for accessing community services.

19 Positive Outcomes B continues to engage with external services regarding his autism. Family reported that they have found support from external services extremely helpful Thankful for L and D B has not (yet) re-entered the criminal justice system.

20 Moving Forward Learning Lessons Service Development Continuous improvement Quality Network

21