Brief Report: A Pilot Investigation of Safety Concerns Among Direct Service Providers for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

We designed and distributed a survey that assessed safety concerns experienced by direct service providers (DSPs) (N = 59) of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community-based group homes at a single human services organization. Results indicated relatively few safety concerns among the respondents from a list of 25 survey statements. Possible influences on the findings are presented such as safety training of the DSPs, comprehensive safety guidelines in place at the group homes, and conditions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. Current safety research in IDD supports the necessity of assessment to inform prevention and intervention strategies.