Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an inter-agency practice integrated within a police intervention model which was developed for police officers and their partners in Montréal. Design/methodology/approach The Integrated Police Response for Abused Seniors (IPRAS) action research project (2013-2016) developed, tested, and implemented a police intervention model to counter elder abuse. Two linked phases of data collection were carried out: a diagnostic of police practices and needs (year 1) and an evaluation of the implementation of the intervention model and the resulting effects (years 2 and 3). Findings The facilitating elements to support police involvement in inter-agency practices include implementing a coordination structure regarding abuse cases as well as designating clear guidelines of the roles of both the police and their partners. The critical challenges involve staff turnover, time management and the exchange of information. It was recognised by all involved that it is crucial to collaborate while prioritising resource investment and governmental support, with regards to policy and financing, as well as adequate training. Practical implications The IPRAS model is transferable because its components can be adapted and implemented according to different police services. A guideline for implementing the model is available. Originality/value In the scientific literature, inter-agency collaboration is highly recommended but only a few models have been evaluated. This paper presents an inter-agency approach embedded in an evaluated police intervention model.
Plusieurs programmes et services ont été développés en vue d’adapter les interventions policières et les processus judiciaires aux besoins des personnes ayant des troubles mentaux, de surcroît lorsque celles-ci sont en situation d’itinérance. La présente étude adopte un devis qualitatif descriptif afin d’explorer l’expérience qu’ont les personnes vivant à la fois une situation d’itinérance et un trouble mental de ces services. L’analyse de six entretiens révèle les représentations complexes que se font les participants de leur implication judiciaire, entre sentiment de responsabilité et d’injustice ; le manque de légitimité vécu dans la plupart de leurs interactions, auquel l’accompagnement offre parfois un contrepoids ; et enfin des perceptions distinctes des services selon leur nature « régulière » ou « alternative ». Les participants mettent à l’avant-plan dans leurs récits les principes de la justice procédurale, en particulier ce que des processus dits « alternatifs » permettent à cet égard, mais également le caractère exceptionnel d’interactions respectant ces principes. Les résultats nous amènent à interroger la capacité des diverses institutions sociales à offrir des services vécus comme justes par les personnes situées au confluent d’identités sociales marginalisées, à différents moments de leurs parcours.
Individuals experiencing both homelessness and mental illness have high rates of interaction with public safety and criminal justice institutions. Several cross-sector diversion programs have been developed over the past decades as alternatives to incarceration. Most of these initiatives rely on the commitment and expertise of frontline practitioners from different sectors and backgrounds. This research examines the perspectives of frontline practitioners regarding practices and policies that target justice involvement of individuals experiencing both homelessness and mental health issues in a Canadian urban context. Findings from focus groups with 55 participants drawn from the police, the community and public health and social services sectors indicate that frontline practitioners value and support close proximity in cross-sector action, while raising ethical and legal issues related to this type of practice. Participants also describe how exclusion from services for this population, lack of involvement from corrections, housing, and forensic mental health services, and ineffective use of involuntary treatment mechanisms shape and constrain frontline practice. The findings of this article give voice to the specific concerns of frontline service providers. Given these findings, we suggest potential strategies to better serve individuals who are identified as “harder to serve” but who might also benefit from diversion from the criminal justice system.
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