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This interdisciplinary scoping review addresses the involvement of spoken and signed language interpreters in statutory mental health assessments. Specifically, this inquiry seeks to identify and review pre-existing literature concerning the barriers to and facilitators of effective practice in interpreter-mediated statutory mental health assessments, and the extent to which interpreter mediation supports or impedes a person's legal rights and best interests in this context. An interdisciplinary team applied the revised Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review framework to review 44 items, including empirical and grey literature covering relevant aspects of the available body of knowledge across the fields of social work, mental health, and interpreting studies. The review concludes that there is a lack of direct evidence on interpreting practice in the context of statutory mental health assessments, which is significant considering the high-stakes scenarios that may lead to the deprivation of liberty. The findings suggest that there is insufficient evidence regarding necessary modifications to standard interpreting practices for such assessments, as well as how assessors should adapt their own practice in response to the need for interpreting. This work highlights the need for more focused research on good practices for interpreting within this context and calls for guidance to facilitate effective interprofessional collaboration between interpreters and other professionals engaged in these assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deserts cover large areas and support substantial biodiversity; however, like other biomes, they are experiencing biodiversity loss. Monitoring biodiversity trends in deserts is rare, partly because of the logistical challenges of working in remote areas. This is true also in Australia, which has one of the largest and least populated desert areas worldwide, has suffered marked biodiversity loss since European colonisation, and has minimal large-scale biodiversity monitoring. However, Indigenous people of many Traditional Owner groups continue to live in, and care for, these deserts. Over the past two decades, Indigenous ranger groups have been collecting species records by using sign-based surveys, adding to work begun in the 1980s by researchers and government scientists. In sign-based surveys, the presence (or absence) of species is recorded by searching on sandy substrates for tracks, scats, burrows and diggings in a fixed area, or a fixed time. Such surveys combine the tracking skills of Indigenous people with robust analytical methods. Here, we describe a desert-wide project that collated and analysed existing sign-based data to explore its potential for local-, regional- and national-scale biodiversity monitoring. The Arid Zone Monitoring Project also provided guidance about future monitoring designs and data-collection methods for varying survey objectives. The project collated data from 44 groups and individuals, comprising almost 15,000 surveys from over 5300 unique sites, with almost 49,000 detections of 65 native and 11 introduced species, including threatened, and culturally significant species. Despite heterogeneity in survey objectives and data collection methods, we were able to use the collated data to describe species distributions and understand correlates of suitable habitat, investigate temporal trends, and to simulate the monitoring effort required to detect trends in over 25 vertebrate species at regional and national scales. Most importantly, we built a large collaboration, and produced informative maps and analyses, while respecting the intellectual property and diverse aspirations of the project partners. With this foundation in place, a national sign-based monitoring program for medium–large desert vertebrates seems achievable, if accompanied by overarching coordination and survey support, training, standardised data collection, improved sampling design, centralised data curation and storage, and regular communication. Our old people taught us how to recognise tracks and scats of different animals. Looking for tracks and scats is a good way to be on Country and pass knowledge from older to younger people. If we search for animal signs regularly, we can collect information on which animals are present, and whether their numbers are going up or down. In this project, we come together to talk about our animals and the bigger picture of what is happening in the desert. Pitjantjatjara: Nganaṉanya nintiringi Aṉangu puḻka tjuṯangku tjina munu kuna tjuṯa ngurkantankunytjaku. Animal kutjupa tjuṯaku. Ngurintjaku tjina tjuṯa munu kuna tjuṯa panya ngurangka munu ma-nintitjaku Aṉangu puḻka tjuṯangka tjitji tjuṯakutu. Panya nganaṉa ngurkantanyi nyanga palunya tjananya munula mantjlpai animals nyaa: tjuṯa nyinanyi kuwari tjinguruya tjuṯaringanyi manta mankuraringu. Ka project nyangangka nganaṉa ma-ungkupai tjukurpa Tjuta. Kutjupa tjuṯa picture puḻka nyakuntjikitjangku. Nyaanganyi animal tjuṯa nganampa ngurangka. [Translated by Jeanie Robin.] Pintupi Luritja: Ngunampa kapali tjumuku ngunanya nintinu tjina kuna mituntjaku kukaku. Nangunyi tjinaku kunaku ngunampa ngurra palyalinku tinatjutanya nintitjaku wimatjutanya. Nganana nungunyi kukuku tjunguru tjuna uparing/tjunguru tjuna tjutaring. Nanana tjungurinkula wankanyi ngunampa kukatjara tjuna yaltjirinyi tjutangka. [Translated by Ebony West. ] Photograph by Nico Rakotopare. A short video about our project can be seen (or access the video from the Supplementary material). This article belongs to the collection Indigenous and cross-cultural wildlife research in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the application of Critical Discourse Analytic methods learnt during a (Social Work) Master’s degree, in the author’s first year of practice as a newly qualified social worker. The focus is the Liberty Protection Safeguards and how the discourse analytic techniques utilised may be translated into specific practice learning. An extract from the author’s Critical Discourse Analysis of the Liberty Protection Safeguards factsheets is presented before further exploration of analytic methods in the context of both literature and personal practice reflections. Specifically, the four issues addressed are: A. Considering how language signals a certain (ethical, social, political, moral) position. B. How language helps construct and reconstruct practice. C. What it means for social work practice to remain open to the consequences of language. D. Considering writing as a form of social work practice. Discourse analytic methods may complement social work values, considering the ethical stance that underpins our work. It is argued that critical discourse analytic tools and the learning arising from them can have a direct influence on social work practice through encouraging practitioners to remain open to language and questioning of the role of power in communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract\nPoints of InterestThe Covid-19 pandemic changed the structures of communication, interaction and daily life for everyone. In this study, we examine what those changed social circumstances revealed to deaf young people about their identity, opportunities, strengths and vulnerabilities. Forty-six deaf young people aged 16–19 during the pandemic were interviewed by either deaf co-inquirers or academic researchers with a strong background in working with deaf people. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings demonstrate that the mental health challenges of the times were not new to many participants but rather just more of the familiar experiences of limited contact with others. However, the circumstances spotlighted attributes deaf people had which had been hidden previously to others including resilience, digital skills and creativity. Improved educational access through digital media was positive eventually but required some self-advocacy to achieve parity.Deaf young people entered lockdown already familiar with limited social contacts, fragile communication and experiences of isolation.Deaf young people discovered new facets of different kinds of deaf identity during the pandemic.There were gains for some deaf young people during the pandemic, including more accessible learning.Skills and abilities that had been unrecognised by others could flourish during the pandemic.Deaf young people entered lockdown already familiar with limited social contacts, fragile communication and experiences of isolation.Deaf young people discovered new facets of different kinds of deaf identity during the pandemic.There were gains for some deaf young people during the pandemic, including more accessible learning.Skills and abilities that had been unrecognised by others could flourish during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in political participation are linked to demographic factors, socioeconomic disparities, and cultural-ethnic diversity. Existing research has primarily explored reduced political involvement among individuals with disabilities, particularly in electoral politics. However, little research has attended the involvement of deaf people specifically. This is of interest because deaf youth are at an intersection of disability, language and cultural identity with their language affiliations and rejection or acceptance of disability evolving through childhood. This study draws from original data collected via an online survey, comprising 163 deaf young respondents aged 16-19 in Great Britain. We compare their levels of political participation with those of general population peers to explore how sociodemographic factors, alongside variations in self-identification as deaf, and meaningful interactions with other deaf people contribute to explain their political engagement. The results challenge conventional wisdom by demonstrating that deaf youth participate more actively in politics than their hearing peers in various forms of political involvement, including collective, contact, and institutional activism. We also recognize differences among deaf youth and propose that social aspects of identity formation, particularly embracing a deaf identity and having deaf friends, can boost certain forms of political engagement. In summary, this study underscores the importance of acknowledging the diversity of deaf youth in terms of affiliation with various forms of deaf identity, rendering their experience different from both disabled and hearing youth. By identifying the factors driving heightened political participation, policymakers and advocates can develop strategies to enhance political engagement among all young people, regardless of their hearing status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior to the COVID pandemic, staffing levels, staff turnover and vacancies in adult social care and social work within the UK were a major concern, with staff experiencing high workloads, burnout, stress and poor morale. The paucity of published evidence in a rapidly evolving contemporary situation indicated the suitability of a scoping review. Systematic searching produced evidence published between 1 December 2019 and 9 May 2023. Out of ninety-seven articles retrieved, the final analysis included thirty nine articles. To report the review findings clearly and accessibly, the analysis used the Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for practice and Research recommendations framework. Abundant evidence emerged on psychological distress and the impact of COVID-19 on the working environment for social care and social workers, but a paucity of psychosocial resilience, supporting social care managers, Personal Assistants and moral injury. Social care needs and the statutory duties of social work are likely to become even more intense. The COVID pandemic magnified a chronic lack of funding, staffing, support and regard for adult social care, with no future planning compared to the NHS. This legacy and backlogs of social care assessment and service delivery are of concern despite the proposed actions of the Adult Social Care Reform Act in England. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This article concerns interpreter-mediated Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983) assessments where either a signed or spoken language interpreter is required. It reports data from 132 Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) in England who have direct experience of such circumstances addressing expertise, training, readiness, and potential influences on the outcome when interpreters are involved. Quantitative data were collected by means of an online survey analyzed descriptively with additional open-ended qualitative responses analyzed thematically. Findings: More interpreter-mediated MHA assessments were reported as occurring in hospital than in community settings. Although AMHPs were confident in their expertise, nearly two-thirds felt they were less effective when an interpreter was involved. The vast majority had received only minimal training on how to work with an interpreter. Recording of language and interpreter use in the assessment was revealed as inconsistent. Most AMHPs thought incorrectly that interpreters were subject to mandatory registration with assured minimum standards of qualification and expertise. Practical problems associated with the timeliness of access to interpreters and complexities of using telephone interpreters instead of face to face were raised. AMHPs expressed a wish for more training and guidance including expectations of the interpreter role. Applications: Consistent standards of formal recording of interpreter use as part of annual monitoring of the MHA are required to understand any potential inequities of outcome resulting from language mediation. Joint training with interpreters is desirable with more specific guidance and resources for working AMHPs and interpreters to promote best practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study concerns culturally Deaf signers in the UK who use hearing aids and (i) explores motivations for hearing aid use (ii) identifies barriers and facilitators to accessing NHS hearing aid services, (iii) examines cultural competency of hearing aid clinics and (iv) identifies factors influencing effective adult hearing aid service provision. Online survey in British Sign Language and English that was informed by Deaf service users. 75 Deaf adult BSL users who wear hearing aids and use NHS hearing aid clinics. No specific reason emerged as outstandingly important for hearing aid use; however, assisting with lipreading (57%) and listening to music (52%) were rated as very/extremely important. Access issues reported were contacting clinics, poor communication with staff and lack of Deaf awareness. To be an effective and culturally competent hearing aid clinic for Deaf signers, a good understanding of Deaf culture and language was most rated as important (87%). The study is the first that explores hearing aid use and experiences of accessing hearing aid clinics from Deaf signers' perspectives. Enhancements to clinical practice are required to consider culturally Deaf people's motivations for hearing aid use and make services more BSL-friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper concerns parenting assessments which are integral to child-safeguarding professional processes in England, and which involve Deaf parents whose primary language is British Sign Language (BSL). In an under-researched area of social work, the research aim was to contribute to the existing literature by eliciting the practice wisdom of specialist professionals. Specifically, it draws upon their linguistic and cultural knowledge of the Deaf community when they are involved in parenting assessments with Deaf parents who are subject to safeguarding concerns. Data about these professionals' actual experiences of navigating Deaf cultural-competency in contemporary child protection practices were collected through seven video-recorded, semi-structured interviews conducted in BSL. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, data were analysed in their source language (BSL). This article focusses on one key theme, termed 'Professional Recognition', which incorporates a) the identification of specialist roles and b) the impact of referral processes and protocols on assessment outcomes. The findings highlight participants' perspectives on the benefits and disadvantages of their specialist role in this context. Although their brokerage skills, cultural competence, linguistic fluency and specialist knowledge of the Deaf community are highly regarded and valued by some colleagues, there is insufficient recognition of their existence by the majority. Secondly, participants are concerned by the inefficiency and inconsistency of the referral processes and protocols which they consider have adverse effects on assessment outcomes, and consequently the parents involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]