PurposeThis paper aims to provide a rationale for the development of a community‐based group for men with intellectual disability who have been involved in sexually inappropriate behaviour but may not have been charged.Design/methodology/approachThe group was based on a cognitive behavioural model: group process and adaptations are briefly described. The group has been run on two occasions and preliminary data on outcome are provided.FindingsParticipants show a reduction in attitudes consistent with offending, an increase in sexual knowledge, and a more external locus of control on completion of the group. One of the 12 men who attended was recorded as offending again within 18 months of group completion; however, three moved to less well supervised placements.Originality/valueIt is concluded that this style of treatment has some advantages over other models and may be more effective, yet further research is required.

Purpose -This paper describes a service improvement project with two aims: to identify and screen all adults with Down's syndrome aged over 30 years in a defined locality using a standardised instrument to establish functional baselines; and to set up a database to facilitate early diagnosis of dementia in this population.Design/methodology/approach -An assistant psychologist used a standardised instrument to screen participants who were identified through contact with health, social, and third sector, and housing services.Findings -Eligible people were identified and screened using an informant-based measure. Three groups were identified: group 1 showed no significant change; group 2 showed significant change but no signs of dementia; and group 3 showed significant change plus signs of dementia. People with suspected dementia were referred on for further investigation/assessment and supportive services.Practical implications -Terminology is important in engaging families in a screening project, as is the opportunity to provide information. A proactive screening project can be established by employing working partnerships between intellectual disability and older adult services to aid diagnosis.Originality/value -Adults with Down's syndrome aged over 30 years in a defined locality can be identified through contact with health, social, and third sector, and housing services. Those identified can be screened using a standardised instrument and a database of screening results established in order to establish baselines against which future re-screening can be conducted. Partnership working between older adult mental health services and intellectual disability services can improve the diagnostic service to adults with Down's syndrome.

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