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.

[anneasquith]

no idea ratter, only thing i can think of is. DNA tested, involvement with police ?

[sunny-dave]

"a history of offending and/or risk of offending that may result in significant harm to themselves or others"

That's the best I can find

[Calibax]

I think it's that they have been involved in criminal activity but never prosecuted or convicted because they are not competent to stand trial.

[RATTER15]

That makes sense, these unfortunates would obviously be out of reach of the law in such respect.

[RATTER15]

I have been warned that I will need to do a course on "Physical Intervention" before I become part of the team.

[woofgang]

mmm I know about that...never did the course as I never worked with folk who needed it, but I knew people who did.

[Andyvon]

"Unfortunates" Ratter? They might be people with disabilities but labels like that aren't very helpful. If you are going to work successfully with conditions like this and be accepted by those you work with then you should have empathy and understanding.

I spent several years doing voluntary work with the mental health service and there are also many people classed as having learning disabilities there. You should never regard them as 'unfortunate'. Many are perfectly happy. They don't have to work as they can't and most have no real worries or stresses. Can you say that?

[RATTER15]

Andyvon, I really don't need your silly lecture, I have also worked in a similar field and I still do and in a Senior Position, I have done many courses on these subjects, im sure I don't need telling how to refer to these people. Of course they are unfortunate to be in the position of having a learning difficulty!! Where did I say they were not happy!

[woofgang]

From experience, the subset of people with learning difficulty who have a forensic history and need special physical intervention are often far from happy. I would indeed describe them as unfortunate.

[RATTER15]

woofgang, exactly! I have used the term "unfortunates" professionally many times with CPN's. GP's. and a host of Health Care professionals and I am being told by a voluntary worker (no disrespect to voluntary workers) how to address them. I run a severe Dementia unit and so far I haven't had a problem with the term.

[Andyvon]

Then why Ratter, if you have occupied a senior position in a similar field, do you need to ask the question?

Woofgang - Yes, many are unhappy, but many are not.

I felt the term 'unfortunates' wasn't the right choice.

[boxtops]

Sounds like you'll be required to undertake the Breakaway training we have in the mental health Trust, ratter (or something similar).

[Andyvon]

Ratter - my experience with CPNs and GPs left me so disgusted at those who masquerade under the term 'health care professionals' that I gave up. I never met so many people who had such antipathy for those they were supposed to be caring for. With regard to GPs even some of the GPs I knew admitted they knew very little about mental health or learning disabilities.

[RATTER15]

Andyvon, I said a "Similar field" we dont have residents in our unit that have a "Forensic History" I think it is probably a relatively modern term that I have not come across in the field I currently work in.

[Andyvon]

I'm sorry Boxtops but Ratter admitting how he and other health care professionals referred to those under their care is typical of what I came across again and again. You are supposed to be caring for these people Ratter and exhibiting some kind of caring approach. 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.

[RATTER15]

Maybe boxy, im not sure, I haven't yet had a definite job offer but it is looking very hopeful.

[ummmm]

It's criminal. They have at some point been convicted of a crime....there is a chance they have been sent there to live out their lives with adequate care that prisons cannot cater for.

[RATTER15]

Andyvon, your comments are ill informed and quite frankly immature and pathetic!! You really need to keep your mouth closed until you have some vague idea of what you are talking about.

So do you believe these people are "fortunate" to have some kind of mental illness. You really are talking absolute nonsense!!

Im sure you think you are standing up for some kind of issue but sorry you are making a fool out of yourself.

[ummmm]

Ratter, I worked in a psychiatric hospital. Forensics 'are' convicted criminals. We housed murderers, paedophiles, rapists....all who developed mental health issues (if they didn't have them already, obviously) that the prisons couldn't cater for.

[RATTER15]

ummmm, im not sure that they would have been convicted of a crime as it isnt a secure unit as such, they could easily escape if they were determined enough, it isnt a unit for the criminally insane. I agree that they have probably committed an illegal act at some stage though.