The role of support administration: A study on critical incidents

This qualitative study examines evidence of practice for “support administration” (SAd) in Italy. Using the framework of the critical incident technique, the textual analysis surveyed the experience of three lawyers, to highlight the difficulties of this role from the psychological and social areas. The reports of 48 cases, collected thanks to the interaction with three Italian lawyers who work as support administrators (SAds) in Verona (Italy), were processed through thematic analysis, which evidenced specific problems inherent to beneficiaries, their relatives and professionals. The discussion on the role of SA and a comparison with other forms of legal protection of vulnerable people in Europe is presented. Some hypotheses on the strategies which could improve the efficacy of this professional intervention are discussed.