Cross-domain cooperation within safety regions and hotspots
Misunderstood behaviour in combination with complex problems
People with misunderstood behaviour and who face complex problems often have to deal with (a combination of) psychiatric disorders, addiction problems, behavioural problems and/or minor mental impairment. In other words, a combination of serious and widely varying problems in a single case, that demands a great deal of effort and care from professionals.
These persons with misunderstood behaviour often come into contact with different healthcare professionals as well as the police and judicial authorities. Despite the fact that they are often on the radar of various authorities, they equally often fall between the cracks, and as a consequence do not receive the care or support they need. One possible reason is their active avoidance of care.
Safety region and hotspot
Safety region
The Netherlands is divided into 25 safety regions. Each safety region is responsible for the safety of the residents of and visitors to that area.
Hotspot
Based on an analysis by the Information Analysis Team into incidents behind E33 notifications, seven cities stand out in which the frequency of reports of people with misunderstood behaviour is highest. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Groningen and Haarlem. These cities are designated as hotspots in the context of the Action Programme Grip op Onbegrip (Understanding Misunderstanding).
Collaboration between healthcare, safety and social domains
The professionals involved in dealing with the complex problems facing this group of people often work in different domains. Police, mental healthcare, local authorities and/or municipal health services, Care homes and Refuges, the Public Prosecution Service, the probation service, assisted living, first-line healthcare such as GPs and mental healthcare practice assistants, the regional ambulance services (RAVs) in acute situations and housing associations.
The problems can only be successfully tackled if these organisations work well together and are able to emphathise with the people in question. This is often referred to as ‘a clear focus on the everyday world’.
Learning and improving together
Professionals are often keen to work together but do not know who to turn to. On occasion there is also insufficient funding or time to determine how cooperation can best be organised. The action programme Grip op Onbegrip is aimed at establishing collaborative ventures for the group of people with misunderstood behaviour in combination with complex problems. The programme also ensures that existing ventures are given a new boost, as a means of encouraging new cooperation.
Which collaborative ventures have already been started?
