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BJSW Advance Access published online on January 10, 2005
British Journal of Social Work, doi:10.1093/bjsw/bch167
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British Journal of Social Work © The British Association of Social Workers 2005; all rights reserved.

Research Note

Assessing the Barriers to Achieving Genuine Housing Choice for Adults with a Learning Disability: The Views of Family Carers and Professionals

Laura Bowey , Alex McGlaughlin *, and Claire Saul

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Alex McGlaughlin, E-mail: alex.mcglaughlin{at}ntu.ac.uk


  Abstract

It has been reported that the capability of adults with a learning disability to choose their housing is too often impeded by the views and actions of their family carers and involved professionals (McGlaughlin and Gorfin, with Saul, in press). This study further explores these apparent barriers to providing genuine housing choice for adults with learning disabilities. It discusses findings from a series of focus groups which explored family and professional views about housing and choice. The views expressed indicate that risk is a fundamental concern for both professionals and families when considering more independent housing for this group. Although opportunities for choice were generally supported, many argued for the need to assess the ability to make informed decisions. There were also examples of problematic relationships between professionals and carers, creating a barrier to choice. Carers need involvement, information and support during the development of housing plans if the needs of the primary serviceusers are to be met. The barriers identified have to be removed if service-users are to truly become the focus of decisions and be enabled to make genuine informed choices.

Keywords: Learning disability, housing, barriers to choice.
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