The London Pathways Project: evaluating the effectiveness of a consultation model for personality disordered...

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.

This paper focuses on the scope and the effectiveness of 2 years of the project.

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.

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.

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.

Observations from experiences of the 2-year pilot and ideas to assist with a wider implementation of the strategy are provided.