Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story

Article

King, Julie, Edwards, Niki, Correa-Velez, Ignacio, Darracott, Rosalyn and Fordyce, Maureen. 2016. "Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story." Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities. 10 (4), pp. 222-232. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-02-2016-0004
Article Title

Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story

ERA Journal ID210054
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsKing, Julie (Author), Edwards, Niki (Author), Correa-Velez, Ignacio (Author), Darracott, Rosalyn (Author) and Fordyce, Maureen (Author)
Journal TitleAdvances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities
Journal Citation10 (4), pp. 222-232
Number of Pages11
Year2016
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
ISSN2044-1282
2044-1290
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-02-2016-0004
Web Address (URL)https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/AMHID-02-2016-0004/full/html
Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of a refugee family navigating complex disability and restrictive practice service systems. Living with disability, or caring for someone with disability can compound the disadvantage and marginalisation already experienced by refugees. The nexus between disability and refugee status, particularly intellectual disability and restrictive practices, has received little scholarly attention and almost nothing is known of people’s experiences in this situation.

Design/methodology/approach: Thematic analysis of a case study is used to illustrate the experiences of a refugee family in this situation. The case study presented was part of a larger ethnographic study exploring the experiences of people of refugee background living with disability.

Findings: There were numerous barriers to accessing appropriate services. The family experienced high levels of stress simultaneously navigating the resettlement process and the disability service system. They were poorly informed and disempowered regarding the care of their loved one and the use of restrictive practices. Experiences in the country of origin, employment responsibilities, and unfamiliarity with the service system were key factors in this family’s difficulty in safeguarding the rights of their family member with disability.

Originality/value: This case study examines the complexity experienced when disability intersects with refugee background. Areas for additional research and significant gaps in service provision are identified. The case study clearly demonstrates the importance of understanding people’s pre- and post-settlement experiences to inform policy and service provision.

KeywordsBarriers; Family; Intellectual disability; Refugees; Restrictive practices; Trauma
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020420313. Mental health services
420318. People with disability
470208. Culture, representation and identity
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Byline AffiliationsQueensland University of Technology
AMPARO Advocacy, Australia
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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