There was a stark lack of local practice-based training for staff working with individuals with learning disabilities and forensic behaviours, particularly in the community.
A project was created by colleagues from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, to develop a series of training packages based on their valuable insight and clinical expertise.
Health Education England-Kent, Surrey, Sussex (HEE) supported the project from the start as alongside colleagues from Kent and Medway Partnership Trust (KMPT) and service users who provided invaluable input.
The main aims of the project and training packages were to:
- Provide within Kent a universal level of understanding, skill and competency for all professional staff who may come into contact with people with learning disabilities (LD) and forensic histories.
- Develop and deliver a competency framework for practitioners who work regularly with people with a learning disability.
- Provide an e-learning package for care staff in the community working with people with LD and forensic histories.
- Provide a practice-based improvement framework for commissioners.
- Describe employment and engagement opportunities and clinical pathway for people with learning disabilities and forensic histories in Kent.
The training has focused predominantly on the adult learning disability population; however, the courses provide transferable skills to work with other groups such as children and young people and/or autistic spectrum condition client groups.