Case Study
Antecedent and brief history - (M - 22 yrs)
M is a 22 year old man with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and a severe learning disability. M came to us via our children's services where he had lived since 2000. As a child M and his siblings were subjected to emotional, physical and sexual abuse within the family home, causing them all to be taken into care of the Local Authority. M had challenged services since he was a young child, he was described as physically aggressive towards himself and others as well as extremely damaging to property.
Assessment and Person Centred planning
M was adamant that he wanted to live in the same area of Liverpool where he was living whilst he was in children's services. Staff from adult services began to support M to facilitate his Essential Lifestyle Plan (ELP). We also continued to build on the risk assessment that was in place. M said he didn't mind sharing his tenancy as long as the house was big enough for him to have his own space. This was a time of great stress to M because he knew he was moving but didn't know where to and who would be supporting him because his staff at this time were from children's services. We designed a property specification highlighting what type of accommodation M would require to continue living in the community as well as what adaptations the property would require to keep M, his co tenant and the staff safe, given his history of damage to property. We liaised with our Housing and Accommodation Manager, sharing the housing specification with her in order for her to find suitable accommodation with one of the Registered Social Landlords (RSL). M was clear about what he wanted as far as a property goes, there is no room for compromise so it did take us a while to find suitable accommodation in the area M wanted to live. We found a suitable house and worked closely with the RSL to ensure that the property met the specification that we had designed. M moved into his new house in June 2005.
Progress and Outcomes - (M) Continued
M is very happy with his house, although M continues to challenge, the damage to his property has been minimal. We believe this is due to us involving M in designing the specification and finding the right house for him. He has a sense of pride in his home and is always keen to show people around. M has a dedicated staff team who work closely with him managing his behaviours using strategies developed by our Operations Manager who has a Clinical Lead.
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