Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of a refugee family navigating complex disability and restrictive practice service systems. Living with disability, or caring for someone with disability can compound the disadvantage and marginalisation already experienced by refugees. The nexus between disability and refugee status, particularly intellectual disability and restrictive practices, has received little scholarly attention and almost nothing is known of people’s experiences in this situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of a case study is used to illustrate the experiences of a refugee family in this situation. The case study presented was part of a larger ethnographic study exploring the experiences of people of refugee background living with disability.

Findings

There were numerous barriers to accessing appropriate services. The family experienced high levels of stress simultaneously navigating the resettlement process and the disability service system. They were poorly informed and disempowered regarding the care of their loved one and the use of restrictive practices. Experiences in the country of origin, employment responsibilities, and unfamiliarity with the service system were key factors in this family’s difficulty in safeguarding the rights of their family member with disability.

Originality/value

This case study examines the complexity experienced when disability intersects with refugee background. Areas for additional research and significant gaps in service provision are identified. The case study clearly demonstrates the importance of understanding people’s pre- and post-settlement experiences to inform policy and service provision.

Citation

King, J., Edwards, N., Correa-Velez, I., Darracott, R. and Fordyce, M. (2016), "Restrictive practices on refugees in Australia with intellectual disability and challenging behaviours: a family’s story", Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 222-232. https://doi.org/10.1108/AMHID-02-2016-0004