Developing and evaluating interventions for women firesetters in high secure mental healthcare

The Journal of Forensic Practice,Volume 19, Issue 1, February 2017. Purpose To discuss the implementation and evaluation of interventions for women firesetters in high secure mental healthcare at the UK ’s National Women’s Service (NWS). Design/methodology/approach Two types of Arson Treatment Programmes for women, one delivered to individuals, the other within a group context, were developed, delivered and evaluated. The evaluation incorporated qualitative and quantitative data, includi ng psychometric measures. Qualitative data was analysed using Thematic Analysis. Findings The evaluation evidenced very high engagement with and attendance at treatment programmes, and several post treatment gains. Participants ’ ratings of programmes and qualitative feedback were similarly very positive. The study demonstrated that engaging women firesetters in their treatment is paramount and can be facilitated by consistent boundaries around therapy provision balanced with sensitivity, empathy and flexibility; provid ing interactive and varied teaching methods; on-going service user involvement and recognizing participants’ achievements; employing a mixed Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) therapeutic approach; having input from fire service staff; and maintaining organisa tional support for firesetting interventions. Practical implications Twelve key recommendations are made for clinicians considering offering treatment program...
Source: Journal of Forensic Practice - Category: Forensic Medicine Source Type: research