scholarly journals Making sense of interactions between mental health and criminal justice services: the utility of cultural historical activity systems theory

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 124-141
Author(s):  
Sarah Hean ◽  
Elisabeth Willumsen ◽  
Atle Ødegård
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Systems Theory ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Laboratory Model ◽  
Activity Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Historical Activity ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

Purpose Effective collaboration between mental health services (MHS) and criminal justice services (CJS) impacts on mental illness and reduces reoffending rates. This paper proposes the change laboratory model (CLM) of workplace transformation as a potential tool to support interagency collaborative practice that has potential to complement current integration tools used in this context. The purpose of this paper is to focus specifically on the theoretical dimension of the model: the cultural historical activity systems theory (CHAT) as a theoretical perspective that offers a framework with which interactions between the MHS and CJS can be better understood. Design/methodology/approach The structure and rationale behind future piloting of the change laboratory in this context is made. Then CHAT theory is briefly introduced and then its utility illustrated in the presentation of the findings of a qualitative study of leaders from MHS and CJS that explored their perspectives of the characteristics of collaborative working between MHS and prison/probation services in a Norwegian context and using CHAT as an analytical framework. Findings Leaders suggested that interactions between the two services, within the Norwegian system at least, are most salient when professionals engage in the reintegration and rehabilitation of the offender. Achieving effective communication within the boundary space between the two systems is a focus for professionals engaging in interagency working and this is mediated by a range of integration tools such as coordination plans and interagency meetings. Formalised interagency agreements and informal, unspoken norms of interaction governed this activity. Key challenges limiting the collaboration between the two systems included resource limitations, logistical issues and differences in professional judgments on referral and confidentiality. Originality/value Current tools with which MHS/CJS interactions are understood and managed, fail to make explicit the dimensions and nature of these complex interactions. The CLM, and CHAT as its theoretical underpinning, has been highly successful internationally and in other clinical contexts, as a means of exploring and developing interagency working. It is a new idea in prison development, none as yet being applied to the challenges facing the MHS and CJS. This paper addresses this by illustrating the use of CHAT as an analytical framework with which to articulate MHS/CJS collaborations and the potential of the CLM more widely to address current challenges in a context specific, bottom-up and fluid approach to interagency working in this environment.

Leading by virtual interaction: an application of cultural-historical activity theory

BMJ Leader ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. leader-2021-000485
Author(s):  
Ana Sjaus ◽  
Krista Corinne Ritchie
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Team Leadership ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity Theory ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Activity Systems ◽  
Group Activities ◽  
Pandemic Response ◽  
Historical Activity ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

Introduction The pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2, a novel, highly contagious and easily transmissible pathogen, has profoundly affected all aspects of human interaction. Guided by the need to reduce face-to-face contacts, medical organisations have rapidly shifted group activities to virtual platforms. Over 1 year into the pandemic, the necessity to maintain public health restrictions ensures that virtual meetings will be the norm for the foreseeable future.It has yet to be understood how virtual technologies shape healthcare and academic cultures, affect interactions, or influence strategic decisions and policies within these systems.Conclusion In this article, the authors reflect on the move from historically situated activity systems of team leadership in healthcare to ones that now exist in virtual formats. Cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) is a framework that explains complex human actions, and how they unfold over time through interaction with mediational tools (eg, technology) and various people representing their own communities, roles and perceived divisions of labour. The authors use the lens of CHAT as a framework to understand the shifting dynamics at play and offer strategies for leaders to co-establish activity systems with team members to make goals of group activities explicit and to deliberately work toward them. Five specific strategies proposed are: (1) use software platforms that fit your needs and give voice to all attendees with technical support present in meetings; (2) converse explicitly about roles and emerging role fluidity during times of change and pandemic response; (3) co-construct something new intentionally; (4) engage in implementation science at this time; and (5) lead intentionally while honouring cultural norms and values. It is imperative that any changes, even the ones that are a part of the pandemic response, are made consistent with the core shared values of the medical community as this necessary new way of coming together is embraced with collective wisdom.

scholarly journals Understanding coaching efficacy in education through activity systems: privileging the nuances of provision

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Lofthouse ◽  
Anthea Rose ◽  
Ruth Whiteside
Keyword(s):  
Activity Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Coaching Efficacy ◽  
Range Of Functions ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Specific Challenge

PurposeThe research demonstrates the role of activity systems based in Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a means of analysing characteristics and efficacy of specific provisions of coaching in education.Design/methodology/approachThree examples of coaching in education were selected, involving 51 schools in England. The three examples were re-analysed using activity systems. This drew on existing evaluation evidence, gathered through interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and recordings of coaching.FindingsIn each example, the object of the coaching was to address a specific challenge to secure the desired quality of education. Using activity systems it is possible to demonstrate that coaching has a range of functions (both intended and consequential). The individual examples illustrate the potential of coaching to support change in complex and diverse education settings.Research limitations/implicationsThe use of existing data from evaluations means that direct comparisons between examples are not made. While data were collected throughout the duration of each coaching programme no follow-up data was available.Practical implicationsThe analysis of the examples of coaching using activity systems provides evidence of the efficacy of specific coaching provision in achieving individually defined objectives related to sustaining and improving specific educational practices.Originality/valueThe research offers insights into how coaching in education might be better tuned to the specific needs of contexts and the challenges experienced by the individuals working in them. In addition, it demonstrates the value of activity systems as an analytical tool to make sense of coaching efficacy.

Cultural-Historical Activity Theory’s Relevance to HRD: A Review and Application

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Tkachenko ◽  
Alexandre Ardichvili
Keyword(s):  
Systems Theory ◽  
Activity Theory ◽  
Human Resource Development ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Open Systems ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity Theory ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Historical Activity ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

In light of recent calls to embrace multilevel, nonlinear, and open systems perspectives for theorizing and practicing human resource development (HRD), this article reviews key tenets of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) and its applications as relevant to HRD. Specifically, the article discusses the four areas where the usage of CHAT could inform HRD scholarship: (a) systems theory and thinking in HRD, (b) HRD and learning, (c) HRD as design science, and (d) the interplay between research and practice in HRD. Recommendations for further developing CHAT applications in HRD research and practice are provided.

Substance use, mental health, chronic medical conditions and criminal justice contact in a nationally representative sample

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Kopak
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Chronic Medical Conditions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Unique Approach ◽  
Criminal Justice Contact

Purpose The amount of overlap between criminal justice practices and public health is growing and more research is needed to guide new initiatives. This study was designed to assess the relationships between various chronic medical conditions, substance use severity, mental health indicators and criminal justice contact using the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Design/methodology/approach Analyses were conducted in three stages to comprehensively examine the relationships between various indicators of physical health, mental health, substance use severity and criminal justice contact. Findings Results demonstrate indicators of substance use severity surpass physical and mental health conditions as stronger determinants of any criminal justice contact, as well as repeated interactions with police. In addition, combinations of multiple conditions increase the likelihood of criminal justice involvement, but substance use remains a consistent factor contributing to the strongest associations. These findings highlight the importance of capitalizing on the initial point of criminal justice contact to address substance use to prevent further and subsequent involvement in the system. Research limitations/implications Criminal justice initiatives based on least harm solutions require evidence to support public health-oriented approaches. The unique approach to examining the intersection of criminal justice practices and health provided in this study can be used to inform alternates to arrest. Practical implications The least harmful practices should be adopted to address health conditions at the time of criminal justice contact. These practices should focus heavily on injection drug use as a primary factor associated with the prior arrest. Practices designed to divert arrestees with health conditions away from jails are needed. Law enforcement practices can significantly benefit from public health-oriented approaches. Originality/value Criminal justice initiatives based on least harm solutions require evidence to support public health-oriented approaches. The unique approach to examining the intersection of criminal justice practices and health provided in this study can be used to inform alternates to arrest.

scholarly journals Heterogeneity within autism spectrum disorder in forensic mental health: the introduction of typologies

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Regi Alexander ◽  
Peter E. Langdon ◽  
Verity Chester ◽  
Magali Barnoux ◽  
Ignatius Gunaratna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Service Evaluation ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Initial Assessment ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Prognostic Information ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Individuals with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within criminal justice settings are a highly heterogeneous group. Although studies have examined differences between those with and without ASD in such settings, there has been no examination of differences within the ASD group. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on the findings of a service evaluation project, this paper introduces a typology of ASD within forensic mental health and intellectual disability settings. Findings The eight subtypes that are described draw on clinical variables including psychopathy, psychosis and intensity/frequency of problem behaviours that co-occur with the ASD. The initial assessment of inter-rater reliability on the current version of the typology revealed excellent agreement, multirater Kfree =0.90. Practical implications The proposed typology could improve understanding of the relationship between ASD and forensic risk, identify the most appropriate interventions and provide prognostic information about length of stay. Further research to refine and validate the typology is ongoing. Originality/value This paper introduces a novel, typology-based approach which aims to better serve people with ASD within criminal justice settings.

A critical appraisal of the international factors in “One Country, Two Systems” and democratization in Hong Kong

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-216
Author(s):  
Kenneth Ka Lok Chan ◽  
King Man Eric Chong
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Behavioral Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
One Country Two Systems ◽  
Sound Foundation ◽  
External Actors ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical framework to examine the impact of international factors on “One Country, Two Systems” in general and Hong Kong’s democratization in particular. Design/methodology/approach The paper has adopted a behavioral approach to identify the agents, mechanisms and observable facets of external–internal interactions. Findings The need for international recognition on the performance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) under Chinese sovereignty has provided external actors with the necessary leverage. Though the impact of the international community has been indirect and limited, the authors have identified two mechanisms – lesson drawing and socialization – whereby the impact of international actors and their actions towards Hong Kong may be subtly felt. Moreover, there are at least three observable facets of external actions which are pertinent to the democracy issue. At the end of day, the external impacts will be determined not by the international actors per se but the balance of power between the domestic actors in Hong Kong. Originality/value There is a scholarly consensus that international factors matter to Hong Kong. But there has been a lack of serious investigation as to why and how they matter. The observable facets of external–internal interactions and the mechanisms identified in this work have not only enriched our understanding of the relevance of external factors in Hong Kong affairs, but also provided a sound foundation for future research.

scholarly journals Using Cultural Historical Activity Theory to understand how emerging technologies can mediate teaching and learning in a mathematics classroom: a review of literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjorie Sarah Kabuye Batiibwe
Keyword(s):  
Activity Theory ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Mathematics Classroom ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Review Literature ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity Theory ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Historical Activity ◽  
Cultural Historical Activity

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to review literature on the Cultural Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) and how it has been used to understand the mediation between emerging technologies and teaching and learning in a mathematics classroom. Specifically, it aimed at understanding the genesis of CHAT and further analyzing the studies that have employed CHAT as an analytical framework for teaching and learning in a mathematics classroom context. Two major concerns arise out of this review. Firstly, CHAT has been synonymously used with Activity Theory, leaving one wondering what actually the difference between the two in terms of researchers’ conceptualization is. Secondly, although CHAT has been widely utilized in education research, scholarly articles that have employed it as their theoretical or analytical frameworks in a mathematics classroom context are still too few and yet still, the few that have utilized it have not exploited its maximum potential. The implications for this review for teachers in Uganda are active student engagement and creation of collaboration spaces for dialogue and interaction in the teaching and learning process.

Revealing the training on intellectual and developmental disabilities among forensic mental health professionals: a survey report

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 176-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer C. Sarrett
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Forensic Mental Health ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Training Opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the training forensic mental health professionals in the USA receive on intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Given the difficulties obtaining accurate prevalence rates of these disabilities in criminal justice settings, it is important to understand how these disabilities are being evaluated and the level of understanding about these disabilities evaluators hold. Design/methodology/approach An online survey was distributed to forensic mental health professionals in the USA that included questions on training opportunities in graduate education, post-graduate forensic training, and professional training opportunities. Participants were also asked about their current work, how they assess I/DD, and their estimates on the percentage of cases they see with I/DD. Findings Respondents reported some training that focused heavily on assessment methods. Most respondents estimated between 5 and 25 percent of their cases involving I/DD and reported using a wide range of assessment methods. Finally, many respondents reporting more training needed in this area. Practical implications More training is needed for forensic mental health professionals on identifying I/DD. Additionally, professional guidelines on what tools and methods to rely on to identify these disabilities is paramount to ensure homogeneity of methods and, thus, better estimates of overall prevalence in criminal justice settings. Originality/value This is the first assessment focused on how forensic mental health professionals are trained to identify I/DD and can be used to improve identification of I/DD in forensic settings.

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) – its relevance to forensic adolescent services

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 124-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Gralton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Intellectual Disability ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Young People ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Adoptive Parents ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose – There needs to be an increased recognition of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in services that deal with young people with disruptive and offending behavior, not just those services that deal with adolescents with a recognized intellectual disability. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This is a general review of the current available evidence on FASD and how it is likely to predispose affected young people to have contact with secure mental health services and the criminal justice system. Findings – FASD is likely to have become a more common cause of intellectual disability and behavioral disturbance but the history of significant alcohol exposure in utero if often missed. There is evidence that the hyperactivity is less responsive to psychotropic medication and may represent a different condition to conventional ADHD. However the majority of those affected are in the low normal IQ range. Research limitations/implications – There is so far very limited research in what is likely to be a relatively common disorder with significant costs to criminal justice, mental healthcare and social services. Epidemiological information from the UK is lacking and urgently needed. Practical implications – Professionals who work with mentally disordered young people need to be more aware of FASD and its potential contribution to the problems and disabilities in their population. Social implications – Social workers, foster carers and adoptive parents need to be more aware of FASD and how it can contribute to the breakdown of social care. Originality/value – There is currently no other review of FASD and the implications for criminal justice, secure mental health and social care for young people.

A co-occurring disorders intervention for drug treatment court: 12-month pilot study outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 169-182
Author(s):  
David Smelson ◽  
Paige M. Shaffer ◽  
Camilo Posada Rodriguez ◽  
Ayorkor Gaba ◽  
Jennifer Harter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Drug Treatment ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Treatment Engagement ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Trauma Symptoms ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Many individuals in drug treatment courts (DTCs) have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders (COD), which can negatively impact treatment engagement, behavioral health and criminal justice outcomes. This paper aims to report results of DTC participants with a COD, who received a 12-month wraparound treatment intervention called MISSION-Criminal Justice (MISSION-CJ) alongside DTC to improve treatment engagement and behavioral health outcomes and reduce reincarcerations. Design/methodology/approach In this pre-post, single-group pilot, 48 clients enrolled and 81% completed 12-month follow-up assessments (N = 39) and weekly MISSION-CJ fidelity for type and intensity of services delivered. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) were computed with a fixed term for fidelity (e.g. high or low MISSION-CJ), time and a fidelity x time interaction term. Findings Among participants, at 12 months, 81% of the participants remained engaged in treatment at study completion, and 89% had high MISSON-CJ fidelity. Clients demonstrated significant reductions from baseline to 12 months in average nights in jail (B = −0.1849511, p < 0.0344), mental health symptoms via the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS) total and subscale scores (B = −0.121613, p < 0.0186) and trauma symptoms on the PTSD Checklist-5 (PCL-5) (B = −0.928791, p < 0.0138). High MISSION-CJ fidelity further improved criminal justice, and behavioral health outcomes. Originality/value This was the first reported 12-month MISSION-CJ trial. While feasible to implement, given the design limitations, future research should include a large randomized controlled trial.

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