A Modified Sequential Intercept Model for People Living with Dementia to Prevent Interactions with the Criminal System

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: People living with dementia (PLWD) may experience symptoms and behaviors that increase the risk of contact with the criminal legal system as arrestees. This manuscript aims to evaluate the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) as a mechanism of reducing exposure to the criminal system for PLWD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A secondary analysis of two complementary semi-structured interview studies of legal professionals (study 1) and caregivers of persons affected by frontotemporal dementia (study 2). Both studies collected insights and experiences with dementia-related behavior increasing the risk of contact or as the focus of a criminal charge, arrest, or incarceration. We applied the Framework Method to code, chart, and identify overlapping themes between studies. We compared overlapping themes to the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM)for applicability to PLWD. RESULTS: Thirteen caregivers and fifteen legal practitioners completed interviews across two studies. We observed (1) caregiver interventions and use of pre-crisis resources as key to PLWD avoiding criminal involvement(2) caregivers may not perceive symptoms and behaviors as posing a criminal risk. The SIM lacks pre-crisis resources to reduce risks for criminal-system interaction for PLWD. We propose an adapted model, the Modified Sequential Intercept Model for People Living with Dementia (SIM-D), to integrate 'pre-crisis community resources' and 'crisis' stages. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: We propose SIM-D as a tool to bridge research on PLWD in the community and the justice system. This research will be central to advancing policy and support resources that can mitigate negative consequences of PLWD's exposure to the criminal system.