© 2005 1 mid western regional drugs taskforce action plan june 2005
TRANSCRIPT
1© 2005
Mid Western Regional Drugs Taskforce
Action Plan
June 2005
2© 2005
Agenda
Chairperson’s Foreword
Background and Context
Consultation Process
Key Issues
Action Plan
3© 2005
A Statement from the Chairperson
Drug misuse is a major issue in the Mid Western Area and is the source of significant social and personal problems for individuals, families and the community in general. We all must face up to the many issues and develop effective, practical actions to improve the lives of those impacted.This document, therefore, is critically important in establishing the prioirty actions needed within the Region to tackle the problem. The plan was developed in the context of a comprehensive consultation process involving all the key stakeholders including statutory agencies, community and voluntary groups and individuals from the Region. Their valuable insight was greatly appreciated and has led to the development of this plan.I would like to personally thank all of those that participated in the various consultation sessions and also thank the members of the Regional Drugs Taskforce that selflessly gave up so much of their time to produce this document. This plan will not be delivered without the close co-operation and partnership of all the stakeholders involved. The RDTF on it’s own does not have the capacity to tackle the issues single-handedly. Collectively, we have a duty and responsibility to ensure that we now work together to achieve the aims and objectives set out in this plan. I am confident that the taskforce can be a useful force of change and focus in how we tackle the problems. I call on all those involved to work with us to make the difference in the lives of those impacted.
Tom Gleeson, Chairperson Mid Western Regional Drugs Taskforce
4© 2005
Agenda
Chairperson’s Foreword
Background and Context
Consultation Process
Key Issues
Action Plan
5© 2005
Background Context Mid Western Regional Drugs Taskforce
The Mid Western RDTF was convened in May 2003.
The formation of the Regional Drugs Taskforces was on foot of recommendations within the National Drugs Strategy 2001-2008 and was further supported by findings from a Health Research Board report which showed that drug abuse outside Dublin had increased three-fold over a four year period.
It is acknowledged that there are ‘huge gaps’ in service provision for drug users in the area.
With collaboration from the local community, voluntary groups, relevant agencies, and the public in general the Mid Western Regional Task Force hopes to develop an integrated plan to tackle the drugs problem and to identify the gaps in services to best provide care for drug users.
6© 2005
Structure of RDTF
The Mid Western RDTF is made up of representatives from the following local community, voluntary groups, and the statutory agencies:
Aljeef
Bridgeland House
Bushypark Treatment Centre
Limerick City VEC
Clare County Council
Cuan Mhuire Bruree
Custom & Excise, Shannon
Mid-Western Regional Office, Dept of Education and Science
FAS
An Garda Síochána HSE Mid-Western Area Regional Drug Co-ordination Unit
Limerick City Community Reps
Limerick City Council
Limerick County Council
Limerick County Council Homeless Service
Limerick County Community Rep
Limerick Youth Services
NDST
North Tipperary County Council
Probation & Welfare
Talbot Grove Treatment Centre
Voluntary Rep
YPFSF, City of Limerick VEC
7© 2005
Agenda
Chairperson’s Foreword
Background and Context
Consultation Process
Key Issues
Action Plan
8© 2005
Consultation Process
The RDTF decided to consult with a variety of stakeholders in the Region in order to develop a detailed action plan.
These consultations sessions, facilitated by external consultants, were held over a period of three weeks across the region.
There were two primary methods of consultation: 1. Public consultation sessions
Four public consultation meetings were held in Newcastle Western, Limerick City, Nenagh, and Ennis. In each location, meetings were also held with local community groups separate to the public meetings. In total, over 80 people attended these public consultation sessions and they contributed a large range of ideas and suggested actions for the plan.
2. Sub-group meetings A number of sub-group meetings were convened with specific special interest groups. For example, meetings were
conducted with treatment & rehabilitation service providers, education & prevention workers including school representatives, youth workers, community representatives, Gardaí and a meeting was also held with service users.
Separate to this a number of individuals and groups provided submissions to the task force on their views with respect to the action plan.
Having gathered all of the inputs from these sessions three working groups were established within the task force to develop the detailed action plan itself. These groups meet on a number of occasions and a final draft action plan was developed by the task force.
This draft plan will be submitted to the National Drug Strategy Team (NDST) for assessment. Recommendations on funding will then made to the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs and the
Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The taskforce would like to thank all those who attended the various meetings. The Action plan
has been developed on the back of the valuable input provided by these individuals and groups.
9© 2005
Agenda
Chairperson’s Foreword
Background and Context
Consultation Process
Key Issues
Action Plan
10© 2005
The Mid Western Region covers the counties of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. The region is relatively rural – 57 per cent of the population live in rural areas in comparison to the national average of 40 per cent.
Limerick City, however, accounts for over one quarter of the region’s 240,000 population. The city dominates the region with a population almost four times that of the next largest centre, Ennis.
The population in Limerick and its environs is growing rapidly and is the second highest among the country’s five major urban centres. The population growth rate in Clare is relatively high also. It is possible based on current projections that the population of the region could reach 280,000 by 2020.
As a result, integrated care within the region is viable only if practical solutions are sought to ensure that services are fully connected and inclusive of outlying rural areas. Services must be flexible and adopt an holistic user-led approach.
However, smaller populations limit the range of possible services and there may be issues in relation to staff skill shortages. This makes an integrated care approach more expensive and difficult to provide equitable services across the urban/rural divide.
The Mid Western Region – A Unique Geography …
Issue Implication
Because of the mix of Rural and
Urban there is a need to ensure
that the response to the issues of drug misuse are sensitive to the local needs. The
responses required for
Limerick City are different to those
needed in smaller rural
settings.
The Mid Western region is unusual for the fact that whilst it is largely rural it is also dominated by a major urban centre
11© 2005
There are considerable disparities between communities and areas in Limerick, in terms of access to employment opportunities and levels of income and consumption. There is a strong degree of polarisation with respect to disadvantage and affluence.
Limerick is a highly segregated city in which communities living in different areas enjoy very different lifestyles and standards of living. There are a number of suburbs and other areas within the city that are relatively affluent.
At the other end of the scale there are many areas that exhibit high levels of disadvantage. For example, the rate of occurrence of lone parent families in these areas is significantly above the national average.
Limerick City has consistently ranked as the second most dis-advantaged of the 34 local authority areas (i.e. Cities and Counties) in Ireland.
Rurally, there are also significant areas of disadvantage in some of the outlying areas of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.
Overall, in comparison to other Regions, the Mid Western displays possibly the largest disparity between affluence and deprivation.
The Mid Western Region – Disparity in affluence/deprivation …
Issue Implication
The scale of socio-economic
disadvantage in the Region means there are a number of high
priority areas that require significant
investment and support to combat the related issues.
The bulk of support provided through the
RDTF and other agencies should be
concentrated in these areas of most
need.
The Mid Western region displays considerable differences in socio-economic status
12© 2005
Gardaí figures show that outside of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, the Southern Region (which includes Limerick) has the highest rate of drug related offences in the country. For example, cocaine related offences in the Southern Region are, at 17%, higher than any other region outside of Dublin Metropolitan (62%).
There is a high level of demand for treatment services within the region. For example, the Mid Western area has the second highest number of patients in the methadone treatment programme outside of the Dublin areas.
An NDTRS research study showed that in the Region the mean age of initial drug use was relatively young, at 15 years of age, in comparison to other areas.
Outside of the areas that currently are served by the Local Drugs Taskforces (in Dublin and Cork City), the Limerick area has the highest level of drug-related issues in the country.
The Mid Western Region – Significant drug-related issues …
Issue Implication
Relative to other areas in the
country, the Mid Western and Limerick in
particular require significantly
greater levels of resource to tackle drug-
related issues.
The Mid Western region has relatively higher drug-related issues to deal with in comparison to other Regional Drugs Taskforce areas
13© 2005
The Mid Western Region – An overview of the issues identified through the consultation process …
Mid Western Region
- The Issues
Denial and unwillingness
to accept the drug problem
Alcohol –
biggest problem drug
Lack of resources
Poor service accessibilityLimited services making
accessibility to services difficult
Significant areas of disadvantage
Lack of co-ordination
across service providers
Limited resources
for Gardaí
Inconsistent sentencing
Intimidation of local
communities
Little or no support
for alternative treatments
Lack of service for Under 18s
Lack of volunteers
No support for families
Not clear where to go
for support or where to refer to
Methadone seen as a long-term solution
– no pathway off methodone maintenance
Clients not put at the
centre (key worker approach)
No needle exchange programme
Not enough investment
in youth services and facilities
Little research into scale
& nature of issue
Limited investment in the Region
over the years
Limited support for parents
Need for effective
education & prevention programmes
Continuum of care not always clear
RDTF not effective to date
Lack of community/statutory
co-operation & collaboration
Infrastructure and resources
inadequate to tackle the issues
Need for pre- and post-
treatment support
Comprehensive range of services
not in place to service scale of demand
Residential detox facility required
14© 2005
Agenda
Chairperson’s Foreword
Background and Context
Consultation Process
Key Issues
Action Plan
15© 2005
Strategic Action Plan Framework (1)
The Vision The Goals
We believe that freedom from drugs and alcohol related problems requires investment in education and prevention, reduction of supply, and appropriate supported treatment and rehabilitation for all living in the mid-Western area.
Our vision is a future where individuals can access excellent services, developed and supported by community, voluntary and statutory agencies in their own communities
RDTF Structure:
Past and current circumstances with regard to the lack of clarity on the function and supports required by the RDTF to develop as a cohesive structure in its own right, and the subsequent work expected of the R.D.T.F. in developing its Action Plan requires that the commitment, infrastructure and framework are compatible.
It is with this in mind that the Mid-Western RDTF have clearly identified the need for the committed resource allocation of Co-ordinator, Project Worker and Administrative Support.
This action is to be supported and facilitated by the N.D.S.T. prior to the implementation of all other Actions identified within the Mid-Western RDTF Plan.
Considering the diversity of the region and the specific nature of the issues related to Limerick city it is strongly recommended by the RDTF that a local drugs task force is established for Limerick city. This requires pre-development seed funding as was made available to the RDTF structure. The local drugs task force would work in parallel to and in close co-operation with the RDTF.
Projected Costs
2005 : €961,700
2006: €1,702,200
2007: €1,752,200
16© 2005
Strategic Action Plan Framework (2)
We believe that freedom from drugs and alcohol related problems requires
investment in education and
prevention, reduction of supply
and appropriate supported
treatment and rehabilitation for all
living in the mid-Western area.
Our vision is a future where
individuals can access excellent
services, developed and supported by community,
voluntary and statutory agencies
in their own communities
The Vision The Goals
Th
e A
cti
on
s
The Objectives
To create a two-way learning and support Mechanism with service providers
In the region
Ensure parents are informed, educated, aware and supported
Ensure effective outreach services are in place within the Region
Create effective links with youth & communities
within the Region that encourages communication
and identifies alternatives to drug use/misuse
Ensure appropriate education and awareness
Programmes are provided within
and outside the school structure
Support a broad range of interventions, to improve the
awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the
Region
Support the reduction of supply within the Region
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
Carry out practical and process focussed research to inform and direct responses
Establish a co-ordinated and concerted
drugs initiative in partnership with
entertainment venue owners and staff
Support and work in partnership
with law enforcement within in the Region
17© 2005
Strategic Action Plan Framework (3)
We believe that freedom from drugs and alcohol related problems requires
investment in education and
prevention, reduction of supply
and appropriate supported
treatment and rehabilitation for all
living in the mid-Western area.
Our vision is a future where
individuals can access excellent
services, developed and supported by community,
voluntary and statutory agencies
in their own communities
The Vision The Goals
Th
e A
cti
on
s
The Objectives
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the
awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the
Region
Take meaningful action to support the reduction of supply within the
Region
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
Carry out practical and process focussed research to inform and direct responses
Provide a range of accessible treatment and
rehabilitation programmes appropriate
to meet the needs of those experiencing difficulties
with drugs and alcohol, from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation
Establish partnership models, close working
relationships and efficient co-ordination between
all agencies (statutory, voluntary & community)
Monitor, review, evaluate and inform stakeholders
of alcohol and drugs issues in the Region on
a regular basis, in a practical manner
Establish progression routes to
Holistic treatment
and rehabilitation
Ensure adequate funding to enable access to
appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services
18© 2005
1. Parental Support Initiatives
Pilot a parent education pack with the SPHE co-ordinators to be given to all parents, at home, as their children are covering the ‘Drugs’ Module on the SPHE programme.
Provide support to the Family Resource Centres to deliver support programmes to families affected by drug misuse issues
Review the capacity within the family support structures and highlight areas where there are inadequate services and prioritise support in these areas.
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (1)
Key ActionsObjectives
A. Ensure
parents are
informed,
educated,
aware and
supported
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
Dept. of
Education
RDTF
2 x 7,000
= 14,000
2 x 7,000
= 14,000
To be main streamed
on evaluation
DRG & CA in
consultation with local groups
2 x 5,000
= 10,000
4 x 5,000
= 20,000
4 x 5,000
= 20,000
19© 2005
In priority communities, support and fund children to attend crèche facilities, to enable and facilitate parents to attend treatment or re-habilitation related to Drugs and Alcohol use. This service to be delivered in partnership with local community structures.
In non-priority communities support parental skills building programmes/initiatives delivered through local community groups.
Mainstream current pilot parents support initiatives and roll out this initiative to 15 community based parent groups
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (2)
A. Ensure
parents are
informed,
educated,
aware and
supported
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Key ActionsObjectives
1. Parental Support Initiatives
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
6 places @ €100 per
week for 52 weeks
= 31,200
6 places @ €100 per
week for 52 weeks
= 31,200
6 places @ €100 per
week for 52 weeks
= 31,200
5 x pilot community
= 10,000
YPS&FF
RDTF
RDTF Co-ordinator
5 x 7,000
= 35,000
5 x 7,000
= 35,000
5 x 7,000
= 35,000
20© 2005
1. GPs, Pharmacists, Practice Nurses Develop and resource an education and
support network for all GPs, Pharmacists, and Practice Nurses in partnership with the HSE, Education Officers and the RDTF.
2. Addiction Studies Training Continue to support and develop the existing
Community Addiction Studies Course and NUI certificate courses in the region.
Fund the development and delivery of a locally based Diploma in Addiction studies in conjunction with local service providers, University of Limerick and Limerick Institute of Technology.
Fund and support students to attend diploma course
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (3)
Key Actions
B. Provide education
and support to
service providers
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
ObjectivesLead
AgencyCost
Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
HSE 5,000 5,000 5,000
HSE
YPFSF
RDTF
30,000 & existing core
budget
60,000 & existing core
budget
75,000
Pre-development
40,00040,000 40,000
Nil 25 Students @ 4,000
= 100,000
25 Students @ 4,000
= 100,000
21© 2005
3. Education & Prevention Service Providers Support• Carry out a review of current training provided to
Education & Prevention service providers.
• Identify good existing programmes and look to build on these and roll-out to other service providers in a targeted manner. Additionally, make available specific drug prevention training to all service providers as part of their vocational training programmes (e.g. teachers, youth workers, counsellors, GPs, law enforcement workers, judiciary, welfare officers etc.).
• Ensure there is a regular (at least quarterly) forum for service providers to come together and share experiences, learnings and information at county level and annual regional forum.
4. Information• Publish and distribute a comprehensive list of
supports available to all service providers (statutory, community and voluntary) e.g. list of facilitators, training courses, education material etc.
5. RDTF• Provide a series of training events to RDTF
members, increasing the capacity of the RDTF from both an operational and subject-focused basis.
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (4)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Objectives Key Actions
B. Provide education
and support to
service providers
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF 2,000 2,000 2,000
YPSFS
VEC
Community Group
30,000 60,000 75,000
RDTF 5,000 5,000 5,000
YPSFS
RDTF Co-
ordinator
RDTF
Nil 20,000 20,000
5,000 5,000 5,000
22© 2005
1. Outreach Service Appoint 8 additional community based
outreach staff, with a specific substance misuse information and services focus for users, their families, and communities that will form a “drugs” outreach team (supervision arrangements to be included).
Dovetail all outreach support workers with local community groups.
In particular, support the capacity building of “peer” outreach support by providing training and financial support to community workers/individuals to ensure that capacity to reach hard to reach communities/ individuals (e.g. homeless, travellers, ex prisoners, high risk communities) is developed..
Develop and support the outreach workers forum to network and information share linking with the Drugs Education Workers Forum (DEWF) as a model.
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (5)
Key Actions
C. Ensure effective outreach services
are in place
within the Region
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
ObjectivesLead
AgencyCost
Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF
HSE
Local Community
Groups
Nil 4 x 25,000
= 100,000
8 x 25,000
= 200,000
Nil Nil Nil
RDTF Nil 10,000 10,000
DEWF 5,000 5,000 5,000
23© 2005
1. Consultation
Engage in a consultation process, specifically with young people, in all areas in the Region to get their views on what is needed and what they believe should be put in place.
Use the output of these consultations to help inform decisions on funding and support (especially within the RDTF).
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (6)
Key ActionsObjectives
D. Create effective
links with youth &
communities within the
Region that encourages
communication and
identifies alternatives
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF & Co-
ordinator
2,000
5 x Y.P.
Groups
2,000
5 x Y.P.
Groups
2,000
5 x Y.P.
Groups
24© 2005
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (7)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Objectives Key Actions
D. Create effective
links with youth &
communities within the
Region that encourages
communication and
identifies alternatives
2. Events
Fund, support and encourage alcohol and drug free events – one per year.
3. Targeted projects for individuals with Drugs & Alcohol issues
Identify, fund and support special projects for people in early recovery e.g. employment, training and education programmes through FAS.
4. Small Grants Fund
Allocate a specific fund for small first-off grants to support and encourage initiatives that will complement the aims of our plan.
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF 1 Event
10,000
1 Event
10,000
1 Event
10,000
FÁS
Local Community
Groups
20,000 50,000 50,000
25© 2005
1. SPHE Pogramme Develop and deliver policies to
enable schools within the region, to deliver the SPHE modules, that address substance misuse issues to a high standard.
Provide support to the schools to assist in the delivery of the relevant SPHE modules.
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (8)
Key ActionsObjectives
E. Ensure adequate education
and awareness
programmes are provided within and outside the
school structure
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
Dept. of Education
Nil Nil Nil
Dept. of Education
Nil Nil Nil
26© 2005
1. District Drug Units The community demands that dedicated officers be
assigned to Garda districts within areas of identified drug use.
A networking system to be established in each Garda district where all relevant community, statutory and voluntary personnel working/residing in the area can create a forum for pro-active actions.
Conduct an assessment of resource requirements (manpower, equipment) for law enforcement officers within the Region and lobby through the RDTF for the adequate resource support of Gardaí.
2. Community Policing
Support the establishment of estate management programmes in at-risk communities/estates. These programmes will be driven by the local residents and will highlight practical and positive interventions to improve the environment within the estates e.g. fix the street lights.
3. Education programme for Judiciary Offer, at least once a year, an education/training day for
all the judiciary on substance misuse issues and distribute relevant information appropriately and promptly.
4. Funds from seizures To assess current level of seizures and consider the
allocation of all or part of the financial seizures back to the communities/areas of high priority.
Goal 2: Supply Reduction (1)
Key ActionsObjectives
A. Provide adequate support
and work in partnership
with law enforcement officers in the Region
To take meaningful action to support the reduction of supply within the Region
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
Dept of Justice
Nil Nil Nil
Dept of Justice
Nil Nil Nil
RDTF
Gardaí
Housing Agencies
5,000 10,000 10,000
RDTF Nil 2,000 2,000
RDTF
Dept of Justice
CAB
Forum to be established for exploring
this issue
27© 2005
1. Joint initiative
Establish and support a joint initiative with law enforcement agencies, health services, education officers and vintners/hotel/restaurant/entertainment venue owners. The initiative would provide training and education for venue owners and staff on substance misuse issues and how to handle incidents. All participating venues would actively promote it’s participation in the initiative.
Goal 2: Supply Reduction (2)
Key Actions
B. Establish a co-ordinated
and concerted drugs
initiative in partnership
with entertainment venue owners
and staff
To take meaningful action to support the reduction of supply within the Region
Objectives Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
All relevant bodies
Nil 10,000 5,000
28© 2005
1. Prison Substance Misuse Programme
Appoint a full-time addiction counsellor to work within Limerick Prison as part of an integrated counselling/service provision within the context of an Addiction Treatment programme for prisoners.
Ensure that all programmes adequately address: pre-treatment support, provision of the treatment itself, follow-up care post-treatment, preparation for release, and post-release support for all participants on the programme.
Provide an integrated and cohesive plan for each prisoner (with multi-agency involvement).
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (1)
Key ActionsObjectives
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
A. Provide a range of accessible treatment
and rehabilitation programmes and
services to meet the needs of clients and their families from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation stages
B. Establish progression routes for clients entering the treatment and
rehabilitation phase to ensure a holistic treatment model is
available
C. Ensure adequate funding provision to
enable people to access treatment and
rehabilitation services
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF
DoJ
Limerick Prison
ALJEFF
Bedford Row
12,500 x 2
= 25,000
100,000
RDTFNil Nil Nil
Limerick Prison
DoJ
DoE
Probation & Welfare
HSE
Vol Bodies
Nil Nil Nil
29© 2005
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (2)
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
A. Provide a range of accessible treatment
and rehabilitation programmes and
services to meet the needs of clients and their families from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation stages
B. Establish progression routes for clients entering the treatment and
rehabilitation phase to ensure a holistic treatment model is
available
C. Ensure adequate funding provision to
enable people to access treatment and
rehabilitation services
Objectives Key Actions
2. Detox Services
Provide a dedicated, appropriate residential detoxification facility within the region.
3. Harm Reduction Programme
Research and deliver a broad range of harm reduction interventions e.g. Hepatitis C awareness, Needle exchange, Safe sex.
4. Out of Hours Service
Ensure there is a crisis support/point of contact service available at all times, preferably delivered through existing structures. Explore this with existing helpline providers and other appropriate agencies with a view to meeting Drug & Alcohol needs.
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
Dept of Health
HSE
RDTF
Nil Research & evaluate
costs
HSE
RDTF20,000 Dependent
on outcome of research
RDTF
Nil 50,000 50,000
30© 2005
5. Day Treatment Programme Develop and deliver a structured
and comprehensive day treatment programme, offering an holistic range of services, operating on an inter-agency model and focusing on providing pre-treatment support and out-patient treatment services.
Provide support and resources for existing and potential centres for respite and halfway houses within the Region. Ensure that these facilities offer a broad range of appropriately structured services to users and are accessible to vulnerable communities and individuals (e.g. homeless).
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (3)
Key ActionsObjectives
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
A. Provide a range of accessible treatment
and rehabilitation programmes and
services to meet the needs of clients and their families from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation stages
B. Establish progression routes for clients entering the treatment and
rehabilitation phase to ensure a holistic treatment model is
available
C. Ensure adequate funding provision to
enable people to access treatment and
rehabilitation services
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF
ALJEFF
Voluntary Agencies
Nil 200,000 200,000
Voluntary Agencies
Community Based Groups
2 @ 50,000
= 100,000
2 @ 50,000
= 100,000
2 @ 50,000
= 100,000
31© 2005
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (4)
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
Objectives Key Actions
A. Provide a range of accessible treatment
and rehabilitation programmes and
services to meet the needs of clients and their families from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation stages
B. Establish progression routes for clients entering the treatment and
rehabilitation phase to ensure a holistic treatment model is
available
C. Ensure adequate funding provision to
enable people to access treatment and
rehabilitation services
6. Treatment for Under 18s Assess the
need/demand for residential and other treatment services targeted at Under 18s within the region and ensure that these services are made available and adequately resourced.
7. Family Support
Ensure that all treatment services address and provide appropriate family support for parents and other family members of users.
Consider the provision of child-care facilities in/around treatment and rehabilitation centres.
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
Limerick Youth Service
10,000 150,000 200,000
Voluntary Treatment Services
30,000 50,000 75,000
32© 2005
8. Funding Pool
Ensure that people who want access to treatment are not prohibited from doing so due to financial restrictions by creating a central pool of funds for education/training/treatment/rehabilitation purposes for people within the region.
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (5)
Key ActionsObjectives
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
A. Provide a range of accessible treatment
and rehabilitation programmes and
services to meet the needs of clients and their families from pre-treatment to
rehabilitation stages
B. Establish progression routes for clients entering the treatment and
rehabilitation phase to ensure a holistic treatment model is
available
C. Ensure adequate funding provision to
enable people to access treatment and
rehabilitation services
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF
Voluntary Treatment
HSE
System to be developed
100 people @ 5,000
per person
= 500,000
100 people @ 5,000 per
person
= 500,000
100 people @ 5,000 per
person
= 500,000
33© 2005
1. Multi-Agency Working Model Encourage all agencies to work
closely together in an integrated and co-ordinated way by hosting bi-monthly multi-agency meetings to take place to share information and co-ordinate action and responses.
Establish a treatment and rehabilitation service providers forum, to meet quarterly, to share learning's, information, experiences, best practice and to share training.
Conduct a pilot project of multi-agency co-operation on a case-based approach to address client needs in a specific area. Upon evaluation, if this model proves to be successful extend to all areas within the Region.
Specifically, invite a GP and Pharmacist onto the RDTF to address a current gap in the make-up of the taskforce.
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (6)
Key ActionsObjectives
D. Establish partnership models,
close working relationships and
efficient co-ordination between
all agencies (statutory,
voluntary and community)
E. Develop more efficient co-ordination
mechanisms between
communities, the community and voluntary sector and the statutory
sector
Ensure that there is an adequate and appropriate level of treatment and rehabilitation services provided to respond to the needs of people within the region
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF Co-ordinator
Nil Nil Nil
Supported by the agencies Nil Nil Nil
RDTF
Treatment & Rehab Forum
5,000 5,000 5,000
RDTF Co-ordinator
Nil Nil Nil
34© 2005
1. RDTF Bulletins The RDTF will produce a regular bulletin
- at least two per year.
2. Research impact of initiatives Conduct action research on the impact of
four initiatives from the RDTF Plan, one from each pillar of the NDS Plan.
Monitor and review all aspects of the Plan.
Negotiate the development of systems for ongoing monitoring to ensure qualitative and quantitative information is gathered in such a way as to influence ongoing development of policy and practice in relation to drug misuse.
Undertake a review of the RDTF Plan each year to ensure it’s on track and up to date.
Goal 4: Research (1)
Key ActionsObjectives
A. Evaluate, Review,
Monitor and Inform
stakeholders of the issues and nature of the problem
in the Region on a regular basis, in a practical manner
Carry out practical research to inform and direct responses
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF 2,500 5,000 5,000
RDTF Nil Nil Nil
35© 2005
Goal 4: Research (2)
Carry out practical research to inform and direct responses
Objectives Key Actions
A. Evaluate, Review,
Monitor and Inform
stakeholders of the issues and nature of the problem
in the Region on a regular basis, in a practical manner
3. Facilities
Review the range of facilities in place, particularly for young people, throughout the Region and highlight areas with inadequate facilities.
Identify and support positive, accessible programmes (through arts, culture, sport, youth schemes) in priority areas (either where there are inadequate facilities and/or areas where drug misuse is most prevalent).
The RDTF will lobby on behalf of the Region to increase the level of funding provided through the Youth People Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and extend to other areas in the mid-Western.
Lead Agency
Cost Estimate
2005 (€)
Cost Estimate
2006 (€)
Cost Estimate
2007 (€)
RDTF
YP
Nil Nil Nil
RDTF
YPS& FF
20,000 To be reviewed on
foot of research findings
RDTF Nil Nil Nil