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| Did you see that report? - August 2010 |
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An Evaluation of the Compulsory Drug Treatment Program (CDTP)
Joula Dekker, Kate O’Brien and Nadine Smith, NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, August 2010.
In 2003, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) was directed by the NSW Government to undertake a randomised controlled trial of the Compulsory Drug Treatment Program (CDTP). This proved impossible because the number of offenders eligible for the program was never large enough to conduct a meaningful randomised controlled trial. The number of offenders dealt with on the program was also too small to evaluate its effect on rates of re-offending. The evaluation was therefore limited to assessing the impact of the CDTP on the health and wellbeing of participants, measuring changes in perceived coercion, affective reactions, treatment readiness and therapeutic alliance, gauging participant satisfaction with various aspects of the program, and monitoring participants’ drug use whilst on the program. While these measures do not encompass all aspects of program effectiveness, they do have an important bearing upon the legislative objectives governing the program.
Goreen narrkwarren ngrn-toura – healthy family air: A Literature Review to Inform the VACCHO Smoking amongst Pregnant Aboriginal Women Research Project
Anke van der Sterren, Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Tobacco Control (CEITC)
This report has been written to gather information about the types of activities and programs that might work to reduce smoking amongst pregnant Indigenous women. It also includes information on what we know about why Indigenous women smoke before, during and after pregnancy, and why they might quit. Understanding this can help with developing appropriate programs for pregnant Indigenous women. Some of the information in this report comes from studies and projects that directly involve pregnant Indigenous women. However, most of our knowledge about what might work to reduce smoking amongst Indigenous pregnant women comes from studies and projects that have targeted Indigenous people generally, and non-Indigenous people.
In 2009, around 48,000 young people across Australia participated in the eighth annual Mission Australia National survey of young Australians. The survey asked young people aged 11 to 24 years about what they value, their concerns, where they go for advice and support and who they admire. This publication focuses on the responses of three more vulnerable groups of young people – those who were homeless, in out-of-home care, or involved in the juvenile justice system. Young people who are homeless, in out-of-home care or in juvenile justice can be vulnerable in a number of areas which are fundamental to wellbeing, including meaningful relationships, educational achievement, secure housing, physical and mental wellbeing and financial security. This publication provides background on these young people, hears directly from them and makes some policy recommendations for enhancing their wellbeing.
The integration of homelessness, mental health and drug and alcohol services in Australia
National Homelessness Information Clearinghouse, August 2010.
Homeless people experiencing mental health conditions face significant hurdles in accessing and sustaining long-term housing and in addressing their personal, social and health needs. The vast majority of homeless people are supported in this endeavour by a range of agencies, including: specialist homelessness agencies, which provide personal and social support and emergency and medium-term accommodation; alcohol and other drug treatment services; mental health services; and a range of other services. However, these services may work independently from each other, cross-sector coordination of services being restricted to referrals from one service domain to another. Clients may not always be referred to an appropriate service for support, resulting in gaps in service delivery.
The range and magnitude of alcohol's harm to others
Anne-Marie Laslett, Turning Point and the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Foundation, August 2010
This research provides both a broad overview and detailed insight into the problems the drinking of others has on Australians.
The impacts from the drinking of others vary dramatically. At one end of the spectrum Australians are affected by nuisance inconveniences, such as street noise or having to avoid public parks, or petty costs from damaged property. At the other end harms can be severe, such as child abuse or physical violence or death. The public health impacts of alcohol from others’ drinking are of major concern. This report addresses a number of critical questions: How many Australians are affected by others’ drinking? Who is affected? What is the relationship between those who have been affected and the drinker? How are Australians affected or harmed? What are the costs for others – in trouble, in time, in money? This report provides a first set of answers to such questions.
Taking action on problem gambling
Victorian Auditor-General's Office, 2010.
This audit critically examines the effectiveness of the Victorian Government's strategy Taking action on problem gambling in reducing problem gambling and gambling-related harm. The audit found that the Department of Justice (DOJ) appropriately structured its strategy around public health approaches, however, there was little or no evidence to suggest that the initiatives contained in the strategy would be effective. As a result it was imperative that DOJ be able to assess the effectiveness of the strategy and its initiatives. However, the performance management system DOJ uses does not provide progressive assessment of the strategy’s performance. Furthermore DOJ’s evaluation of the strategy has been compromised with problems in its development and implementation.
The audit found that the Department of Justice (DOJ) appropriately structured its strategy around public health approaches, however, there was little or no evidence to suggest that the initiatives contained in the strategy would be effective. As a result it was imperative that DOJ be able to assess the effectiveness of the strategy and its initiatives. However, the performance management system DOJ uses does not provide progressive assessment of the strategy’s performance. Furthermore DOJ’s evaluation of the strategy has been compromised with problems in its development and implementation.
In collaboration with the Australian Centre for Child Protection, NCETA surveyed the AOD workforce to identify current work practices, individual knowledge and attitudes, and organisational policies and support in relation to child and parent-sensitive work practice. Taking First Steps: What Family Sensitive Practice Means for Alcohol & Other Drug Workers: A Survey Report is the first of a range of publication being developed by NCETA to address the issue of child and parent-sensitive practice. It presents the results of the survey and outlines the implications of these findings.
[Last updated: 1st November 2011]
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