A Qualitative Analysis of the Experience of Staff Employed within the Forensic Disability Sector in Victoria, Australia

BACKGROUND:
This paper explores the experience of staff employed within forensic disability across Victoria in an attempt to better understand service needs in this field. The complex needs of individuals with disabilities involved in the criminal justice system or presenting with offence-related behaviours suggest that there is a requirement to improve services directed towards forensic disability.

METHODS:
Four semi-structured group interviews, determined by geographical location, were completed with employees (n = 14) within the Australian Community Support Organisation, with an average of 5 years of forensic disability experience. Data were analysed based on thematic analysis.

RESULTS:
Five themes were revealed. Three pre-existing themes were emphasized that included client complexity; poor responses from external services; and funding, and two novel themes labelled as staff well-being and responses to risk.

CONCLUSIONS:
Recommendations include multiagency collaboration, funding forensic disability services, development of best practice initiatives and advocacy.