Key Features
This section highlights the key interventions that Gwent DIP undertakes. More information on treatment interventions is available in the Services section of the website.
Arrest Referral
The point of arrest is used as an opportunity for drug workers to make contact with individuals who have drug problems and who are charged with trigger offences. They can then refer them to the local CJIT team for appropriate treatment. This is a voluntary service and offenders are not obliged to go into treatment.
Drug Testing
Police have the power to test anyone charged with a trigger offence (i.e. vehicle crime, robbery, theft, burglary) for class A drugs. A positive drug test will not be used to bring a prosecution for unlawful possession or consumption, or to support further police investigation into the offence. However, it will be used in court to aid sentencing and to act as a trigger for Arrest Referral workers and custody detention staff to highlight the benefits of the DIP programme and move offenders into prison.
Drug testing is only available in Newport.
Rapid Prescribing
In Gwent DIP clients are able to gain access to Rapid Prescribing Services. This involves the provision of a medically supervised substitute to an illicit drug user. The substitute maintains the individual's tolerance to the drug of misuse. The prescribing programme is the basis for providing medical and psychosocial counselling and support.
Criminal Justice Integrated Team (CJIT)
CJITs are at the heart of delivering the DIP in Gwent because they are central to the throughcare and aftercare elements of DIP. Teams adopt a case management and care plan approach that ensures there is continuity of care from the point of arrest through to sentence and beyond. This involves treatment as well as support with issues such as housing, life skills, family relationships, education and employment training.
The CJIT’s role includes:
-
Single point of contact
-
Partnership with probation and prison healthcare teams/CARAT workers to prepare jointly agreed release plans
-
Individual care planning
-
Harm minimisation and awareness
-
Relapse prevention
-
Signposting to local substance misuse services
-
Support to access prescribing
-
Housing advice and support
-
Access to employment, training and education
-
Finance management including debt management
-
Access to health and fitness activities including karate, circuit training and football
-
Environmental project work
Target customer group and eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the service are:
-
Those who enter the Criminal Justice System who are identified or identify themselves as drug mis-users
-
Those who leave structured drug treatment in a planned way irrespective of whether they are currently involved in the Criminal Justice System
-
Those whose main or anticipated address is within the five boroughs of Gwent, with some flexibility for clients who live just outside the area but their nearest service is based in Gwent
-
Clients with drug and alcohol problems – not alcohol alone
-
Self-referrals and referrals from other agencies
-
The programme is not available to individuals under the age of 18. However, should a client who is under 18 when they enter the criminal justice system reach his/her 18th birthday before completion of sentence they will become eligible for the programme
-
Involvement with the CJIT team is a requisite for clients to access the Rapid Prescribing Service
Referrals and Access
CJIT
To facilitate easy access to the programme, there is a user-friendly referral system via a single point of contact for the region.
The CJIT service can be accessed by clients through an appointment, drop-in, custody or via assertive outreach. Assertive outreach provision is a core function of the Gwent CJIT service to ensure that access to treatment is made available to all service user groups and promotes treatment engagement within the rural communities and urban centres in Gwent.
The service will be open for a minimum of 40 hours week in each of the five locations including a minimum of two evenings and four hours at weekends.
Rapid Prescribing Service
Referrals for rapid prescribing will come from the CJIT.
Stimulant Treatment in Gwent (STING)
Referrals will be accepted from DIP (including arrest referral), probation, Tier 2 crack workers and other Tier 2 providers.
Clients who self-refer will have an appointment set up with a Tier 2 crack worker, a CJIT worker or another Tier 2 service to ensure they are assessed and ready for entry into a structured programme before being accepted.
Parent and Carers Training (PACT)
People can refer themselves or, alternatively, referrals can be made by health authorities, partners or other agencies.
Clients will be assessed by DAFS to see it they are suitable for the PACT Programme by either telephoning 01495 240824 or by using the DAFS referral form (please refer to the Gwent Service Directory for further information).