1. From Behind The Door To The Factory Floor Wednesday 7th November 2007 Michael Scanlon Intensive Support Worker Brothers of Charity Support Services Roscommon

2. Pen Picture • Mark • 25 year old • Youngest of a family of 9 • Attended local National School • Difficulties arose when he transferred to Secondary School – attended infrequently for 3 months • Attended Specialised Children Service in Galway until he was 18

3. Initial involvement • Involvement of mental health services • Referred to Behaviour Support Team Brothers of Charity Services Roscommon • Initial contact was home based & involved visits to the family home

4. Steps involved • Positive interaction style • Shared interests • Taking initial steps at his pace • Use of a diary • Developed rapport with family

5. Different type of service • Long term stay in psychiatric services – 8 weeks • Visits initially to the hospital • Developed into support service which allowed day release from ward • From home, support was offered over three ½ days per week initially

6. Initial Supports • Limit setting – personal hygiene initially • Diet • Involvement with Brothers of Charity psychiatrist • Compliance was 80%

7. Changes over time • Compliance rate deceased over a period of 18 months • Living situation changed • Administration of medication issue • 5 day week service developed

8. Developments • Job was sourced – 3 days per week • Meeting with other young men attached to other day services • Funding sourced for 2 nights respite per week & 1 weekend per month

9. Service Breakdown • Family felt service was not appropriate to his needs • Only involvement with the services was psychiatric input for review of medication • Family sourced alternate service – breakdown of this new service occurred after only 3 weeks

10. New Approach • Family under severe pressure due to deterioration in his behaviour • Brothers of Charity requested to become involved again by family • Respite service increased to 4 nights per week & 2 weekends per month • Job sourced in local manufacturing factory

11. How it works • Supported in the factory by Brothers of Charity staff • Natural supports developed • Changes in factory location • Changes in transport to & from factory

12. This is my week • Working 2 days in factory setting • 1 day Independence Day • 1 day Adult Education • 1 day links with other day service – travels independently by train & bus • Attends night course in local I.T with support

13. The Future • Source a second job in his locality • Move from respite home to semi- independent living where he chooses • Circle of support • Risk Assessment • Maintain positive family relationships