May have forensic histories?

[RATTER15]

The job I have applied for working with adults with learning Disabilities, it appears some may have "forensic histories" what is meant by this.

Its not a term that ive heard used before.

[237SJ]

My interpretation of "forensic history" would be someone who has a history of being physical rather than just having a learning disability. That wouldn`t mean that they have been outside the law IMO. That`s just my opinion though. Maybe as boxy says you will be taught the Breakaway technichques (if you haven`t already)

[RATTER15]

ummm, maybe that is the case then, but I imagine these would be at very low risk of being a danger to anyone.

[ummmm]

They have probably served their sentence.

[RATTER15]

I took the NAPPI. ( http://www.nappiuk.com/ ) course a few years ago but apparently this course I now have to take is more intensive.

[237SJ]

Do you have a refresher every year? I hate doing mine. I can never remember the moves!

[Carakeel]

Andyvon, ratter is a highly respected Senior who runs a dementia unit and I can tell you that of all the carers there, he is the most popular with the residents. Why? Because he treats them with great respect, genuinely cares not only for them but about them and has over many years fought fiercely to get the best for his residents, many times risking his job, standing up to managers and Directors to make sure that the residens' rights are upheld! So, kindly do not judge someone you know little or nothing about! You seem very negative about carers. I have no idea where you have been a volunteer, but it has obviously given you a very negative attitude. You really shouldn't judge someone so harshly for using a term that is not in any way offensive and is used in a professional manner. These are indeed people who are less fortunate than those without mental handicaps ... obviously! This does of course not mean that they are necessarily unhappy people in themselves, nor does it put a nasty or negative label on them. As for ratter ... Many residents and relatives, as well as many colleagues see in him one of the best carers they have ever come across, as in fact do I.

[RATTER15]

Lol, it is amusing and possibly worrying knowing that one of the clients at the home that I have met a few times is currently being trained in Karate.

However Im fairly sure that this particular gentleman is quite harmless.

[237SJ]

We`re supposed to get hold of someone who is kicking off and ask him to put his hand on his head, then put his other hand on his elbow (with hands in front of him obviously) so that we can handcuff him. He is then supposed to "comply" (although that`s not difficult with Quickcuffs). Then he sits down and we tie him to his seat! In reality, he (or more lately she) is kicking off and you chuck a blanket over their head, wrestle with them for 2 minutes, get kicked and sworn at and tie them to their seat by any means possible and with any help that`s offered. Oh the joys of some jobs.

[RATTER15]

237SJ, my course was a one off, the moves were of no great consequence where I currently work as a resident of 90 years of age is of no great danger as long as you know your residents, saying that, I have had a fair few slaps and kicks and the occasional bite when I have been off guard.

[RATTER15]

237SJ, that all sounds a bit severe, im more hoping to be able to sweet talk them into submission.

[237SJ]

That`s where you start but it doesn`t always work. These situations at work are getting more and more these days and 75% of the perpetrators are women for some strange reason.

[tonyav]

Good luck with getting the job RATTER, when do you think that you will know ?.

[RATTER15]

tonyav, thanks, It could be a few weeks, waiting on CRB and references, if all comes back fine then the job is mine, I do have history on my CRB dating back to my teens but nothing in the last 30+ years. They are aware of all the info on my CRB and they have already had a great reference from my current employers and a recommendation for immediate promotion, but until I get a formal job offer...........

[anneasquith]

morning ratter, in fairness to andyvon, i do believe he has had some negative experience with health professionals. and i dont think he was attacking you as such.

[RATTER15]

Ann, he said >>As for your attitude towards meas a volunteer your response again perfectly illustrates the appalling attitudes of many who masquerade as 'professional carers'. Perhaps you should change your tune and attitude before you apply for this post.<<

That sounds pretty personal to me! He is a little upstart that should never have got on his soap box until he had some idea what he was talking about!!

[woofgang]

I suspect the forensic history will be one of uncontrolled violent behaviour, usually but not always, directed at family carers. Family can no longer cope safely, so the unfortunate person ends up in care. Years ago they woud have been drugged, lobotomised or shocked (ect) into a"safe" state. Now they are managed more kindly and carefully but at greater risk to the staff involved.

[tonyav]

'' Going back to my teens'' aint we all. Good luck.

[lcg]

forensic history means that a patient/client (with whatever disability - learning, physical or mental health) have a current or historical risk of offending....any type of offence. most likely are verbal or physical aggression, substance misuse, sexual or exploitation of some sort. to anyone - other patients, staff, family or the public. as stated, sometimes this is past behaviour, ongoing (and likely to continue being a risk) or they have been sentenced to be detained in a hospital, or transferred from a prison as that is deemed an unsuitable environment for the patient to remain in. there are several sections of the mental health act (1983) that deal with forensic detention, including section 37, 38 and 41. if you want to know anything further, by all means ask....i have worked with forensic patients for 20 years and have seen an awful lot in my time....from patients clobbering staff or each other, to working with sex offenders. it is a complex area, particularly surrounding risk assessment and management, and if it becomes a significant part of your job, you should be paid a premium to work with such clients. in the nhs, it is often known as a 'forensic weighting' aspect of pay. good luck with your new job x

[RATTER15]

lcg76, thanks, I will let you know if I need more info.