What characteristics do service users with intellectual disability value in direct support staff within residential forensic services?

BACKGROUND: This study explores the perceptions of a group of adults with intellectual disability regarding direct support staff. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews relating to experiences of direct support staff were developed from two focus groups. These interviews were conducted with 11 adults with intellectual disability residing within a forensic inpatient service. RESULTS: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) revealed two superordinate themes; namely, staff relationship factors and positive and negative attributes of staff. The participants valued relationships with staff based on qualities such as honesty, trust, and a caring, nurturing manner that enabled individuals to feel safe. Staff characteristics such as immaturity, inexperience, and a short temper appeared to lead to feelings of discontentment amongst the participants. CONCLUSIONS: The implications of the findings are discussed in relation to clinical practice, staff recruitment, and training.