The London Pathways Project: Evaluating the effectiveness of a consultation model for personality disordered offenders

BACKGROUND: A recent government strategy has been developed to meet the challenges posed by personality disordered offenders. A 'pathways project' was piloted in four London boroughs to assess the implementation of some elements of the strategy. AIMS: This paper focuses on the scope and the effectiveness of 2 years of the project. METHOD: Probation caseloads were screened for personality disorder. Risk information and pathways were monitored and recorded over 2 years. Psychologists provided consultation, training and direct co-working as interventions. RESULTS: The findings include a description of the samples identified, the range of project activity, pathway outcomes and factors associated with or predictive of successes and failures. CONCLUSIONS: The findings supported the implementation of the pathways model to fulfil aspects of the offender personality disorder strategy, such as facilitating entry into treatment and interventions and to a lesser extent planning safer return to the community. The consultation model, including low-intensity direct contact with project psychologists, improved outcomes for personality disordered offenders. IMPLICATIONS: Observations from experiences of the 2-year pilot and ideas to assist with a wider implementation of the strategy are provided.