Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS) is an administrative entity under contract with the Pa. Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs to administer services in Philadelphia County. IDS works with the Commonwealth and service providers to offer quality supports and services so individuals will have choices in their lives, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to participate in their community as valued citizens.
Introduction
This capstone project proposes a comprehensive solution to address the challenge of how Philadelphia Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS) and service providers can provide individuals who engage in high-risk and highly problematic behaviors with an "everyday life" experience in the community while avoiding restrictive settings and restrictions therein. The project will be conducted by a Masters of Public Administration student, dedicating 5 hours a week from January 2024 to August 2024.
Definition of the Issue
The issue at hand is how to provide individuals with high-risk behaviors an "everyday life" experience without resorting to restrictive settings. This involves addressing behavioral challenges, promoting community integration, and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the individuals and the community.
Importance to Philadelphia Intellectual disAbility Services (IDS)
Philadelphia IDS faces a critical issue in balancing individual autonomy and community safety for those with high-risk behaviors. It is essential to develop innovative solutions that can integrate such individuals into everyday life, fostering their well-being while avoiding restrictive environments. This project aligns with IDS's mission to provide the best possible support and services to individuals with Intellectual Disability. This capstone project offers a unique opportunity to address a pressing issue faced by Philadelphia IDS and service providers. By providing individuals with high-risk behaviors an "everyday life" experience, IDS can meet its mission of fostering independence and community integration.
Project Scope and Achievability:
The project is designed to be achievable within the academic time frame, leveraging the MPA student's skills and resources. It will consist of the following key components:
1. Needs Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of individuals with high-risk behaviors to understand their unique needs and challenges.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with IDS staff, families, and other stakeholders to gather insights and perspectives.
3. Best Practice Research: Explore best practices and successful models from other jurisdictions and organizations that have effectively addressed similar challenges.
4. Program Design: Develop a program framework that focuses on individualized support plans, community integration, and risk mitigation.
5. Policy Recommendations: Provide policy recommendations to IDS based on research findings.
6. Pilot Implementation: TBD
1. Comprehensive Needs Assessment Report: A detailed report summarizing the needs and challenges of individuals with high-risk behaviors.
2. Program Framework: A well-defined program framework outlining strategies for community integration, behavioral support, and risk management.
3. Pilot Report: A report on the pilot implementation phase, including feedback from participants and staff, with recommendations for improvement.
4. Policy Recommendations: A set of actionable policy recommendations to guide IDS in supporting individuals with high-risk behaviors effectively.
5. Presentation and Documentation: A final presentation to IDS stakeholders and documentation of all project findings, including research sources and data collected.
The project will be conducted by a Masters of Public Administration student, dedicating 5 hours a week from January 2024 to August 2024.
