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Collaboration Award - Integrated Drug Treatment Team HMPS
Drug Services Team - E Wing: Winner of the Collaboration Award, sponsored by Office for Disability Issues
HMP/YOI Chelmsford has introduced the Integrated Drug Treatment System (IDTS), which was established jointly by the Ministry of Justice and the Department of Health, with the strategic aim of improving the provision of drug treatment within prisons, and bringing together the prison healthcare and Counselling, Assessment, Referral, Advice and Throughcare (CARAT) substance-misuse services within a coherent structure.
The main aim of this intervention is to provide a 28-day structured care package of psychosocial support for prisoners with problematic drug use which complements clinical interventions, taking into account previous treatment in the community or custody, and providing a platform for longer-term drug treatment in prison and on release.
Chelmsford was one of the first-wave prisons in the country to set up and deliver IDTS, and has a 126-bed unit located on the E Wing which is the Drug Services Unit. Over the last year it has gone from strength to strength in delivering IDTS, due to strong partnership working within the establishment and forging excellent links in the community.
After completing a successful pilot we have introduced an accredited alcohol course which addresses prisoner’s behaviour and actions caused by hazardous drinking. An in-depth needs analysis was conducted which resulted in us implementing a ‘Short Duration Programme’ which is accredited and specific to those on stabilised, controlled medication.
On the Drug Services Unit at HMP/YOI Chelmsford I firmly believe that the Drug Services Team has demonstrated that through effective consultation with all agencies, staff and users, and with strong partnership working, we are delivering a seamless service with continued interventions which will support offenders in addressing their substance misuse and offending behaviour which in turn will reduce harm and crime on release which will create a safer community.
Last updated 243 days ago by Kevin Sorkin