A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 1 BERRY STREET VICTORIA Substance Use Policy A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration Sheree Limbrick Berry Street Service Development

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 2 Outline Sam’s Story How the journey began … defining the needs Biting the bullet … documentation of core policy Coffee, talking and editing … the process of consultation Crunch time … putting words into action The melding of two worlds … challenges in collaboration

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 3 How the journey began …

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 4 Recommendations Broad Policy Framework Assessment, Casework & Critical Incident Tools Training Resources, information & education

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 5 Process of Policy Development Preparation Consultation – Internal Consultation – External Policy Framework Policy Manual Training Evaluation On-going Resources

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 6 Biting the Bullet … Rationale Principles Definition Application Harm Minimisation Principles Information Dissemination Case Practice Tools Training Links with External Services Revision of Policy Legal Advice

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 7 Coffee, talking & editing … Youth Substance Abuse Service Victoria Police Drug and Alcohol Specialist Legal Advice Medical Practitioners

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 8 Crunch time … Implementation  Information Dissemination  Training  Timeline  Practice Implications  Resources

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 9 Harm Minimisation Supply Reduction Demand Reduction Harm Reduction Stop Drug Use Regardless of: Realistic & achievable goals to prevent or reduce harm:  How realistic or achievable the goal  May be abstinence  Harmful consequences that may result for the drug user or others  May involve continuation of use with reduced chaos & risk  May involve dealing with other related issues & not overtly focusing on the drug Focus on preventing use or stopping further use from occurring Focus on improving the safety, health & well-bring of the person who uses drugs

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 10 Case Study Name (fake) Age Nature of involvement with Service Nature of Drug problem  Drug/s used  Amount/Cost/Frequency of use  How used/Who with  Drug related risks  Other drug related issues Others Involved  Family/workers/significant others Related health issues How the person spends their time Accommodation

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 11 Decisional Balance Chart DRUG USENON-USE PositivesNegativesPositivesNegatives User’s perspective Worker’s perspective

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 12 Harm Reduction Themes A pragmatic approach – The focus is always on the best health outcome for the individual & others involved The outcomes of every strategy must be reviewed & constantly monitored Drugs are considered in relation to risk or benefit to the user & others involved. No legal or moral position is adopted

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 13 Common Misconceptions “We’re throwing the baby out with the bath water” “Harm reduction is simply a set of strategies” “We’re encouraging drug use for those who use & introducing those who don’t use to drugs”

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 14 The melding of two worlds … Drug Treatment Secondary consultations Training Expertise Towards a team approach

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 15 Tools Agency – D&A Service Provider Protocol Practice Standards:  Room Searches;  Monitoring Health & Well-Being;  Finding Substances on premises;  Paraphernalia on premises;  Referral to D&A Treatment Services;  Inhalant Storage & Use in Residential Units  Active & Continuous Approach with Clients who are Chroming  Client Use of Non-Prescribed Inhalants  Substance Use & Duty of Care

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 16 Tools (cont) Training materials Case Practice Tools:  Substance Abuse Checklist;  Emergency Services Checklist;  Substance Use Profile

A Journey of Discovery, Recognition & Collaboration 17 Further Information For further information, assistance, consultation, training: BERRY STREET VICTORIA