An example of innovative practice between a secure and community based service to support vocational and social development of individuals with autism

This project was developed to enable service users from a forensic secure setting to develop vocational and socialisation skills to facilitate transition and successful discharge within their communities. Transition between... [ view full abstract ]

This project was developed to enable service users from a forensic secure setting to develop vocational and socialisation skills to facilitate transition and successful discharge within their communities.

Transition between services is an acknowledged as a particular difficulty for individuals on the autism spectrum. This difficulty is compounded when transition is from a secure setting, where individuals are detained under the mental health act, to community settings, with less restrictive conditions. This project aimed to bridge this gap by offering structured vocational placements and employment skills at a regional autism service before discharge
Links between the secure and community service were established over time.

Initially there was some resistance due to perceived stigma and risk, particularly around the vulnerability of service users currently accessing the community service.
However, transparent discussions, mutual site visits and a willingness to support some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals with autism provided both parties with the impetus to develop a working partnership.

This symposium will outline the very detailed process involved in developing this partnership to the point where individuals with autism can access the least restrictive environment that conditions allow, whilst developing skills in social and communication domains by accessing the vocational programme.
A short case study will describe the journey of an individual who accessed the service, detailing the process involved and positive outcomes achieved.

This project provides evidence that better links and partnerships between secure and community services can improve outcomes and how processes can be replicated in different settings.