Caseload management in community learning disability teams: Influences on decision-making

This report is the result of quantitative and qualitative inquiry into the workings of community learning disability teams with particular reference to the handling of caseloads and specifically discharge procedures. The study focused on four teams in the West Yorkshire area. Quantitative data to represent professionals within the teams, their caseload sizes and waiting lists were analysed. Qualitative information with respect to caseload management strategies was gathered via semi-structured interviews and the findings were validated by a focus group. The professionals identified the decision-making processes they employed regarding maintaining service users or discharging service users from their caseload. The management and structures within each of the teams were found to be complex and varied. The implications of these findings and recommendations for further investigations into the nature of caseload management practices in community learning disability services are discussed.