Forensic Occupational

Therapy

Pradeep GunarathneOccupational Therapist

Forensic?

Of or used in connection with courts of law- Concise Oxford Dictionary

Occupational Therapy?

The primary role of Occupational Therapy is enabling “Occupation”- Townsend et al. 1997 p.30

Occupation?

Occupation is everything people do to occupy themselves, including looking after themselves (self-care), enjoying life (leisure) and contributing to the social and economic fabric of their communities (productivity)- Townsend et al. 1997 p.30

Occupation doesn’t mean just BEING BUSY,

Rather it means DOING something that is MEANINGFUL

to the individual

Why in forensic? When an individual is incarcerated they

are deprived from their former occupations.

In reality the very intent of forensic services is to prevent individuals engaging in some occupations.

The subsequent result is “Occupational Deprivation”

Why? Contd… It leads to “Depression” and “apathy”.

Forensic Occupational Therapists work to “avoid” Occupational deprivation.

They also work on enabling the individuals to reach their maximum level of functioning and independence in all aspects of life, which is one of the major roles of Occupational Therapists.

Forensic OTOccupation

al Performanc

e

Offending BehaviorAlienation

Forensic OT

Mostly directed towards the mentally disordered offenders.

Many prisoners have very poor basic life skills.

Not only treating them but also addressing offending behavior.

Forensic OT Forensic Occupational Therapy is about

acknowledging the important link between occupational behavior and well-being.

Helping people to engage in Occupations that give their lives meaning and value and connect them to the society and culture in which they live not only promotes health but may mitigate alienation and antisocial behavior

- Couldrick L., Alred D., Forensic Occupational Therapy, 2003 p.13

Core Beliefs

Occupation is fundamental and essential for the human existence.

Core Beliefs Occupation, by itself is not

necessarily therapeutic

Core Beliefs OTs help people to engage in

occupations that give their lives meaning and value.

Core Beliefs We aim to take a person

centered approach to practice.

Core Beliefs Occupations connect them to the society

and culture in which they live.

Core Beliefs Occupation promotes health and may

lessen isolation and stigma.

Core Beliefs Occupation may help to reduce

antisocial behavior.

Forensic OT Process On referral gather relevant information

from other MDT members, case notes and any goals already in care plans

Meet client build relationship Assess using research based models Negotiate and implement treatment Monitor progress and analyze outcomes Reassess and plan discharge or continue

treatment modalities

Areas of Assessment The person – Needs, interests,

motivation and potential for change Functional skills – Impact of cognitive

emotional, social and physical problems in ADL

Occupational balance – in work, leisure and self-care

Physical and social situation – environment and cultural aspects

Specific Assessment Tools

Functional Assessment - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and

Health (ICF) of WHO, 2001 ICF Checklist version 2.1a of WHO, 2003

Vocational Assessment – Career Interest Checklist of National Apprenticeship and

Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) of Sri Lanka

Reference Agencies National Apprenticeship and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA)

Vocational Training Centers for disabled people run by Social Services Department

Technical collages

Vocational Training institutions run by private sector

Correction Centers for youthful offenders

Regional Occupational Therapists

Forensic Rehabilitation Service Purpose is to “bring life to day”

Mainly focusing on Self-care and leisure activities

Structured time table Choice Open weekdays from 8.30 AM to 4.00 PM Saturday is sports day (from 9.00 AM to

1.00 PM) Sunday closed

Activities Self-care activities Open school Arts Music Drama Aerobic exercises Indoor games Sports – Volley ball, Cricket Cookery crafts

All the above will only succeed with support of the multi-disciplinary team.

Thank You…