Ensuring long-term success of personalised support for a young man with intellectual disability and harmful sexual behaviour: a Swiss case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Some people with intellectual disability who have sexually offended require long-term support with risk management. This paper demonstrates how least restrictive practices within a Swiss social care setting are utilised to support a young man with intellectual disability, mental health difficulties and persistent high risks. It is underpinned by the social model of disability, which directs attention away from individual pathology onto environmental support structures. Data was generated through qualitative interviews with the patient, forensic psychologist and social care provider and an in-depth analysis of the patient file. Current approaches to community support are synthesised and applied to this exemplary case. Hence, the analysis compares empirically based patterns from the case with the aims of risk management, person-centred planning and sexual offending treatment, highlighting the mechanisms that enable this support package to work. This results in a novel conceptualisation of sexual offending treatment success that encompasses environmental support structures. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The sociological focus of this paper emphasises the importance of learning amongst services on best means to provide collaborative, personalised support after sexual offending treatment. Achieving treatment success is no longer seen as a personal responsibility that lies with the person who has offended, and suggestions are made on means for managing individuals within social care settings. This makes vital reading for those involved in the de-institutionalisation of people with intellectual disability and persistent high risks.