Transcript Deloitte & Touche and Software Resources Limited

Mid Western Regional Drugs
Taskforce
Action Plan
June 2005
© 2005
1
Agenda
© 2005

Chairperson’s Foreword

Background and Context

Consultation Process

Key Issues

Action Plan
2
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
© 2005
3
Agenda
© 2005

Chairperson’s Foreword

Background and Context

Consultation Process

Key Issues

Action Plan
4
Background Context Mid Western Regional Drugs Taskforce
© 2005

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 20012008 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.
5
Structure of RDTF

© 2005
The Mid Western RDTF is made up of representatives from the
following local community, voluntary groups, and the statutory
agencies:

Aljeef

Limerick City Community Reps

Bridgeland House

Limerick City Council

Bushypark Treatment Centre

Limerick County Council

Limerick City VEC


Clare County Council
Limerick County Council
Homeless Service

Cuan Mhuire Bruree

Limerick County Community
Rep

Custom & Excise, Shannon

Limerick Youth Services

Mid-Western Regional Office,
Dept of Education and Science

NDST

FAS

North Tipperary County Council

An Garda Síochána

Probation & Welfare

HSE Mid-Western Area
Regional Drug Co-ordination
Unit

Talbot Grove Treatment Centre

Voluntary Rep

YPFSF, City of Limerick VEC
6
Agenda
© 2005

Chairperson’s Foreword

Background and Context

Consultation Process

Key Issues

Action Plan
7
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


2. Sub-group meetings






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.
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.
© 2005
8
Agenda
© 2005

Chairperson’s Foreword

Background and Context

Consultation Process

Key Issues

Action Plan
9
The Mid Western Region – A Unique Geography …
The Mid Western region is unusual for the fact that whilst it is largely rural it is also dominated
by a major urban centre
Issue

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 userled 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.
© 2005
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.
10
The Mid Western Region – Disparity in affluence/deprivation
…
The Mid Western region displays considerable differences in socio-economic status
Issue

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.
© 2005
Implication
The scale of socioeconomic
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.
11
The Mid Western Region – Significant drug-related issues …
The Mid Western region has relatively higher drug-related issues to deal with in comparison to
other Regional Drugs Taskforce areas
Issue

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.
© 2005
Implication
Relative to other
areas in the
country, the Mid
Western and
Limerick in
particular require
significantly
greater levels of
resource to
tackle drugrelated issues.
12
The Mid Western Region – An overview of the issues
identified through the consultation process …
Limited support for parents
Continuum of care not always clear
Clients not put at the
centre (key worker approach)
Not enough investment
in youth services and facilities
Residential detox facility required
RDTF not effective to date
Infrastructure and resources
inadequate to tackle the issues
Limited services making
Poor service accessibility
accessibility to services difficult
Need for pre- and posttreatment support
Lack of co-ordination
Inconsistent sentencing
across service providers
Intimidation of local
Significant areas of disadvantage
Lack of resources
communities
No support for families
Mid Western Region
Limited resources
Little research into scale
for Gardaí
- The Issues
Little or no support
& nature of issue
Not clear where to go
for support or where to refer to
for alternative treatments
Alcohol –
biggest problem drug
Need for effective
Methadone seen as a long-term solution
education & prevention programmes
No needle exchange programme
– no pathway off methodone maintenance
Denial and unwillingness
to accept the drug problem
Lack of service for Under 18s
Lack of community/statutory
Lack of volunteers
co-operation & collaboration
Limited investment in the Region
Comprehensive range of services
over the years
not in place to service scale of demand
© 2005
13
Agenda
© 2005

Chairperson’s Foreword

Background and Context

Consultation Process

Key Issues

Action Plan
14
Strategic Action Plan Framework (1)
The Vision
The Goals
Projected Costs
RDTF Structure:


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
© 2005
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.
2005 : €961,700
2006: €1,702,200
2007: €1,752,200
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.
15
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 midWestern 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
© 2005
The Goals
The Objectives
Ensure parents are informed,
educated, aware and supported
Support a broad range of
interventions, to improve the
awareness levels and knowledge of
all key stakeholders within the
Region
To create a two-way learning and support
Mechanism with service providers
In the region
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 the reduction of supply
within the Region
Support and work in partnership
with law enforcement within in the Region
The Actions
The Vision
Establish a co-ordinated and concerted
drugs initiative in partnership with
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
entertainment venue owners and staff
16
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 midWestern 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 Goals
Support and deliver a broad range
of interventions, to improve the
awareness levels and knowledge of
all key stakeholders within the
Region
The Objectives
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 progression routes to
Holistic treatment
and rehabilitation
Take meaningful action to support
the reduction of supply within the
Region
Ensure adequate funding to enable access to
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
appropriate treatment and rehabilitation services
Establish partnership models, close working
relationships and efficient co-ordination between
all agencies (statutory, voluntary & community)
Carry out practical and process
focussed research to inform and
direct responses
Monitor, review, evaluate and inform stakeholders
of alcohol and drugs issues in the Region on
a regular basis, in a practical manner
© 2005
The Actions
The Vision
17
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (1)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and
knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Key Actions
Objectives
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.
A. Ensure
parents are
informed,
educated,

aware and
supported
© 2005

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.
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Dept. of
2 x 7,000
2 x 7,000
Education
= 14,000
= 14,000
To be main
streamed
on
evaluation
2 x 5,000
4 x 5,000
4 x 5,000
= 10,000
= 20,000
= 20,000
RDTF
DRG & CA
in
consultation
with local
groups
18
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (2)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and
knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Key Actions
Objectives
1.

A. Ensure
parents are
informed,
Lead
Agency
Parental Support Initiatives
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.
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
6 places @
€100 per
week for 52
weeks
6 places @
€100 per
week for 52
weeks
6 places @
€100 per
week for 52
weeks
= 31,200
= 31,200
= 31,200
educated,
aware and
supported


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
5 x pilot
community
= 10,000
YPS&FF
5 x 7,000
5 x 7,000
5 x 7,000
RDTF
= 35,000
= 35,000
= 35,000
RDTF Coordinator
© 2005
19
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (3)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and
knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Key Actions
Objectives
B. Provide
education
and
support to
service
providers
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.
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
HSE
5,000
5,000
5,000
HSE
30,000 &
existing core
budget
60,000 &
existing core
budget
75,000
Predevelopment
40,000
40,000
40,000
25 Students
@ 4,000
25 Students
@ 4,000
= 100,000
= 100,000
YPFSF
RDTF
Nil

© 2005
Fund and support students to attend diploma
course
20
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
Key Actions
Objectives
3.
B. Provide
education
and
support to
service
providers
•
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.).
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.
RDTF
•
© 2005
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.
Information
•
5.
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
RDTF
2,000
2,000
2,000
YPSFS
30,000
60,000
75,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
Nil
20,000
20,000
5,000
5,000
5,000
Education & Prevention Service Providers
Support
•
4.
Lead
Agency
Provide a series of training events to RDTF
members, increasing the capacity of the RDTF
from both an operational and subject-focused
basis.
VEC
Communi
ty Group
RDTF
YPSFS
RDTF
Coordinator
RDTF
21
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (5)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and
knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Objective
s
Key Actions
1.
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..

© 2005
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Nil
4 x 25,000
8 x 25,000
= 100,000
= 200,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
RDTF
Nil
10,000
10,000
DEWF
5,000
5,000
5,000
Outreach Service

C. Ensure
effective
outreach
services
are in
place
within the
Region
Lead
Agency
Develop and support the outreach workers
forum to network and information share
linking with the Drugs Education Workers
Forum (DEWF) as a model.
RDTF
HSE
Local
Community
Groups
22
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (6)
Support and deliver a broad range of interventions, to improve the awareness levels and
knowledge of all key stakeholders within the Region
Objectives
D. Create
effective
links with
youth &
communities
within the
Region that
encourages
communicati
on and
identifies
alternatives
© 2005
Key Actions
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.

Lead
Agency
RDTF &
Coordinator
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
2,000
2,000
2,000
5 x Y.P.
5 x Y.P.
5 x Y.P.
Groups
Groups
Groups
Use the output of these
consultations to help inform
decisions on funding and
support (especially within the
RDTF).
23
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
D. Create
effective
links with
youth &
communities
within the
Region that
encourages
communicati
on and
identifies
alternatives
© 2005
Key Actions
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
RDTF
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
1 Event
1 Event
1 Event
10,000
10,000
10,000
20,000
50,000
50,000
FÁS
Local
Community
Groups
24
Goal 1: Education and Prevention (8)
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
1.
E. Ensure
adequate
education
and
awareness
programmes
are provided
within and
outside the
school
structure
© 2005
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Dept. of
Education
Nil
Nil
Nil
Dept. of
Education
Nil
Nil
Nil
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.
25
Goal 2: Supply Reduction (1)
To take meaningful action to support the reduction of supply within the Region
Objectives
Key Actions
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.
A. Provide
adequate 
support
and work in
partnership
2.
with law
enforcemen 
t officers in
the Region
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.
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Dept of
Justice
Nil
Nil
Nil
Dept of
Justice
Nil
Nil
Nil
RDTF
5,000
10,000
10,000
RDTF
Nil
2,000
2,000
RDTF
Forum to be
established
for exploring
this issue
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

4.
Gardaí
Housing
Agencies
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.
Funds from seizures

© 2005
Lead
Agency
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.
Dept of
Justice
CAB
26
Goal 2: Supply Reduction (2)
To take meaningful action to support the reduction of supply within the Region
Objectives
Key Actions
1.
B. Establish a
co-ordinated
and concerted
drugs
initiative in
partnership
with
entertainment
venue owners
and staff
© 2005
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Nil
10,000
5,000
Joint initiative
Establish and support a joint
initiative with law enforcement
agencies, health services,
education officers and
vintners/hotel/restaurant/enter
tainment 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.
All
relevant
bodies
27
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (1)
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
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
Key Actions
1.
Prison Substance Misuse
Programme



Lead
Agency
Appoint a full-time addiction
RDTF
counsellor to work within
DoJ
Limerick Prison as part of an
Limerick
integrated counselling/service
Prison
provision within the context of an
Addiction Treatment programme ALJEFF
Bedford Row
for prisoners.
Ensure that all programmes
adequately address: pretreatment support, provision of
the treatment itself, follow-up
care post-treatment, preparation
for release, and post-release
support for all participants on the
programme.
RDTF
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
12,500 x 2
100,000
= 25,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Limerick
Prison
DoJ
Provide an integrated and
DoE
cohesive plan for each prisoner
(with multi-agency involvement). Probation &
Welfare
HSE
© 2005
Cost
Estimate
Vol Bodies
28
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
Objectives
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
© 2005
Key Actions
2.
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Dept of Health
Provide a dedicated, appropriate
HSE
residential detoxification facility within
the region.
RDTF
Nil
Research &
evaluate
costs
20,000
Dependent
on outcome
of research
Nil
50,000
Harm Reduction Programme

4.
Cost
Estimate
Detox Services

3.
Lead
Agency
Research and deliver a broad range of
harm reduction interventions e.g.
Hepatitis C awareness, Needle
exchange, Safe sex.
HSE
RDTF
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.
RDTF
50,000
29
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (3)
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
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
© 2005
Key Actions
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 outpatient treatment services.

Lead
Agency
RDTF
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Nil
200,000
200,000
2 @ 50,000
2 @ 50,000
2 @ 50,000
= 100,000
= 100,000
= 100,000
ALJEFF
Voluntary
Agencies
Provide support and resources
for existing and potential centres Voluntary
Agencies
for respite and halfway houses
within the Region. Ensure that
Community
Based
Groups
these facilities offer a broad
range of appropriately structured
services to users and are
accessible to vulnerable
communities and individuals
(e.g. homeless).
30
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
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
© 2005
Key Actions
6.

Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Limerick
Youth Service
10,000
150,000
200,000
Voluntary
Treatment
Services
30,000
50,000
75,000
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.
31
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (5)
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
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
Key Actions
Lead
Agency
8.
Funding Pool

Ensure that people who want
Voluntary
access to treatment are not
Treatment
prohibited from doing so due to
HSE
financial restrictions by creating a
System to be
central pool of funds for
developed
education/training/treatment/reha
bilitation purposes for people
within the region.
RDTF
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
100 people
@ 5,000
per person
100 people
@ 5,000 per
person
100 people
@ 5,000 per
person
= 500,000
= 500,000
= 500,000
C. Ensure adequate
funding provision to
enable people to
access treatment and
rehabilitation
services
© 2005
32
Goal 3: Treatment and Rehabilitation (6)
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
D. Establish
partnership models,
close working
relationships and
efficient coordination between
all agencies
(statutory,
voluntary and
community)
E. Develop more
efficient coordination
mechanisms
between
communities, the
community and
voluntary sector
and the statutory
sector
© 2005
Key Actions
1.
Multi-Agency Working Model

Encourage all agencies to work
closely together in an integrated and
co-ordinated way by hosting bimonthly 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 multiagency co-operation on a casebased 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 makeup of the taskforce.
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
RDTF Coordinator
Nil
Nil
Nil
Supported by
the agencies
Nil
Nil
Nil
RDTF
5,000
5,000
5,000
Nil
Nil
Nil
Treatment &
Rehab Forum
RDTF Coordinator
33
Goal 4: Research (1)
Carry out practical research to inform and direct responses
Objectives
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
© 2005
Key Actions
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.
Lead
Agency
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
RDTF
2,500
5,000
5,000
RDTF
Nil
Nil
Nil
34
Goal 4: Research (2)
Carry out practical research to inform and direct responses
Objectives
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
© 2005
Key Actions
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
RDTF
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
Cost
Estimate
2005 (€)
2006 (€)
2007 (€)
Nil
Nil
Nil
20,000
To be
reviewed on
foot of
research
findings
Nil
Nil
YP
RDTF
YPS& FF
RDTF
Nil
35