Exploration of joint working practices on anti-social behaviour between criminal justice, mental health and social care agencies: A qualitative study

Abstract

Although the police play an important role for people with mental health problems in the community, little is known about joint working practices between mental health, social care and police services. There is potential for tensions and negative outcomes for people with mental health problems, in particular when the focus is on behaviours that could be interpreted as anti-social. This study explores perceptions about joint working between mental health, social care and police services with regard to anti-social behaviour. We conducted a multi-method sequential qualitative study in the UK collecting data between April 2014 and August 2016. Data were collected from two study sites: 60 narrative police logs of routinely gathered information, and semi-structured interviews and focus groups with professionals from a range of statutory and third sector organisations (N = 55). Data sets were analysed individually, using thematic iterative coding before integrating the findings. We also looked at sequencing and turning points in the police logs. Findings mapped on a continuum of joint working practices, with examples more likely to be away from the policy ideal of partnership working as being central to mainstream activities. Joint working was driven by legal obligations and concerns about risk rather than a focus on the needs of a person with mental health problems. This was complicated by different perceptions of the police role in mental health. Adding anti-social behaviour to this mix intensified challenges as conceptualisation of the nature of the problem and agreeing on best practice and care is open to interpretations and judgements. Of concern is an evident lack of awareness of these issues. There is a need to reflect on joint working practices, including processes and goals, keeping in mind the health and welfare needs of people with mental health problems.

Iriss ESSS Outline: Collaborative practice to support adults with complex needs

“…Some adults may be at risk of harm because of: • Improving record-keeping and the management of information ○ "Management of information within and between agencies and by individual professionals" ( Cantrill 2012 ) ○ "Improved system of routinely monitoring the quality of records" ( Cantrill 2012 ) • Ensuring that services for adults with diagnoses of [serious mental health problems] are personalised in design and delivery Research indicates that these actions for improvement may create the conditions for improved joint working. For example, Krayer et al (2018) discuss how "understanding of roles and responsibilities, valuing other professionals' contributions and a willingness to work towards shared goals and outcomes" were observed as the foundations for joint working between mental health, social care and two police services in Wales.…”

“…[A] shared commitment, where all partners have a right and an obligation to participate and will be affected equally by the benefits and disadvantages arising from the partnership. ( Krayer et al 2018 ) The nature of collaboration can take many forms, within a "continuum of joint working" ( Krayer et al 2018 ). The following sources provide examples of the context for collaboration and inter-agency working in the context of adult mental health.…”

“…Studies indicate that inter-organisational partnership working is under-developed and poorly understood ( Krayer et al 2018 ). However, the following sources provide some insight into collaborative models that indicate promise and/or provide insight into effective approaches.…”

“…One significant challenge in successful collaborative practice is ensuring that the agencies involved have clearly understood roles. Krayer et al (2018) report different perceptions of the police role in mental health and tensions over the role that the police play in mental healthcare carry over into interpretations of police roles in partnership working. They suggest that a lack of understanding can lead to inter-organisational conflict ( Krayer et al 2018 ).…”

“…Krayer et al (2018) report different perceptions of the police role in mental health and tensions over the role that the police play in mental healthcare carry over into interpretations of police roles in partnership working. They suggest that a lack of understanding can lead to inter-organisational conflict ( Krayer et al 2018 ). Several of the sources provided throughout this summary discuss potentially effective ways of ensuring clear roles of involved agencies.…”