ACT AOD Sector eBulletin: October 2007

Welcome to the ACT AOD Sector eBulletin

The monthly AOD Sector eBulletin is a concise summary of information, important developments, publications, events and other information relevent to AOD Workers in the ACT. The eBulletin is an activity of the ACT AOD Sector Project which is auspiced by the Youth Coalition of the ACT.

To subscribe, submit an item or to provide feedback email ebulletin@aodsector.org.au

ACT AOD Sector Project
The AOD Sector Project is a one-off twelve-month capacity building Project that began on 23 July 2007 and ends on 30 June 2008. The Youth Coalition of the ACT was the successful tenderer to provide support to ACT AOD Workers to conduct the AOD Sector Project.
The Project is funded by ACT Health and is guided by the broad policy goals of:

• ACT Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Strategy 2004 – 2008;
• ACT Workforce Development Strategy (currently under development); and,
• Council of Australian Governments Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative.

The Project aims to build the capacity and identity of the ACT AOD sector, foster intra and cross-sectoral relationships, and improve outcomes while maintaining respect for the diversity of services and for people who are affected by AOD.

For more information contact Amanda Bode, ACT AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or 6247 3540

November ACT AOD Sector Forum
The ACT AOD sector forum is for AOD Workers and is hosted by a different AOD service each month. The forum aims to:

• Provide an opportunity for ACT AOD Workers to network and share information such as referring clients, service vacancies and waiting lists, and the impact of changes to services;
• Learn about developments in, and relevant to, the Sector;
• Access professional development opportunities, information and resources;
• Support professional peer networks;
• Improve referrals, service knowledge and visit other AOD services, and;
• Provide information about, and give workers an opportunity to have input into the ACT AOD Sector Project

Date: Thursday 22 November
Time: 9 - 11am
Venue: WIREDD, Room G03, Griffin Centre, Canberra City

For more information or to RSVP contact Amanda Bode, ACT AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or 6247 3540

The following information was collected from services that attended the October AOD Sector Forum. Each month services that attend the forum are given an opportunity to contribute information about their services to the monthly eBulletin.

Directions ACT
Service spokesperson: Jo Smith
Phone: 6122 8000, Email: jos@directionsact.com

Some programs currently being offered by Directions include:

• Education Program (Currently offering a party safe program that will be going into venues and events over summer)
• Arcadia House Detox and Withdrawal Centre
• Primary Health Care & Intervention Team
• Free Family and Individual Counselling
• ACT Needle and Syringe Program
• Dental Program (Assists people who access or have accessed Directions to access subsidised dental work.)
• Outreach Program
• Life Skills
• Families of substance users support group run on Tuesday nights
• $2 hair cuts on Wednesday mornings

Directions also offer a Treatment Support Service (TSS) that is designed to help people understand all the treatment options available to them in both the ACT and interstate.  Once clients have a good understanding of their treatment options, a decision is made as to which services would be most useful and how best to utilise them. From there, the TSS helps clients to gain access to their treatment choice and will support the client through treatment and continue to do so for as long as the client wishes.  The TSS is flexible in that it offers a one off informal discussion around options up to extensive, long-term case management. 
The other primary role of the service is offer advocacy for people who are already accessing treatment, but who are unhappy or dissatisfied with the service they are receiving.  The TSS aims to support and be a voice for consumers of Alcohol and Drug Treatment services.
For more information contact Claudia on 6122 8000 or tss@directionsact.com

Note: A new medical clinic willl be opening at Directions in 2008. More information will be available soon.

Women's Information, Resources and Education on Drugs of Dependancy (WIREDD)
Service Spokesperson: Bec Brewer
Phone: 6248 8600, Email: wiredd@toora.org.au

Some programs currently being offered by WIREDD include:

• Information and support for women about drugs
• Confidential free counselling (Although they only have one counsellor at the moment)
• Drop in (Monday 11-4, Tuesday 2-4, Thursday 11-4, and Friday 11-4)
• Women's Relapse Prevention Group every Tuesday 10.30 -12.30 (Open Group)
• Family of Origin Group
• Beautiful Me
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Group (Explores mindfullness and Distress Tolerance Techniques)
• Running three Hepatitis C Information Sessions (more information is available in the Training & Professional Development section.)

Note: Child care can be organised if you call in advance.

Gugan Gulwan Aboriginal Youth Corporation
Service Spokesperson: Marsha Files
Phone: 6231 9555, Email: marsha@gugan-gulwan.com.au

Some programs currently offered at Gugan Gulwan include:

• Young boys (8 -12 years) mentoring program on Friday nights
• Young womens (12 - 16 years) group
• Young mums group
• School holiday program (9-3 everyday in school holidays) Only 16 places are available so you need to get in early.
• AOD outreach on Friday nights
• Court support

Note: Gugan Gulwan no longer runs the Elders Group or provides transport to rehabilitation services.

Karralika (ADFACT)
Service Spokesperson: Therese Power
Phone: 6292 2733, Email: therese.p@adfact.org

• Offers a comprehensive program for people with alcohol and other dependencies, using the therapeutic community (TC) approach to treatment.
• Waiting list is currently full and they are planning to establish an early bird program to engage people who are on the waiting list

Ted Noffs Foundation ACT
Service Spokesperson: Dave Warby
Phone: 6123 2400, Email: tnfact@noffs.org.au

Some of the programs Ted Noffs currently provide include:

• Adolescent Drug Withdrawal Unit (ADWU): Up to 14 days of residential support for young people experiencing withdrawal. Current waiting list is about one week.
• Program for Adolescent Life Management (PALM): 3 month residential rehabilitation treatment. Current waiting list is about two weeks.
• Community Outreach and Outclient Program (Co-Op): Semi structured day program for young people who do not want or need residential services. Also provides outreach to schools and other services. No waiting list currently.

Note: As of 2 January 2008, Ted Noffs will be a no-smoking service.

Lesley's Place
Services Spokesperson: Yasmin Elferkh
Phone:6241 7233, Email: lesleys@toora.org.au

Lesleys place currently offers:

• 3 month residential service for women and accompanying children leaving supervised withdrawal.
• Halfway house for women and accompanying children for up to 12 months.
• Outreach to women in the community.

National Peer Educator Training Workshops - Participants and Reference Group Members Required
Next year the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) will begin a new project delivering training workshops to peer educators around the country. They would like to hear from AOD & community organisations/services that employ peers (injecting/illicit drug users) that may be interested in participating in these training workshops.The workshop topics, where and when is yet to be confirmed and will be decided by a reference group overseeing this project.If you are a peer and are interested in being part of this project or you employ peers who are interested please contact Nicole Wiggins. They are looking for both reference group members and participants for the workshops.

Contact Nicole Wiggins on 6279 1605 or nicolew@aivl.org.au

The Stepping Stones Course - A Practical Course to Help Family Members Cope With Drug and Alcohol Issues
Run by the Alcohol & Drug Program and the Ted Noffs Foundation.
Topics covered include: coping with stress and anger, tips about communication and about boundary and limit setting – all in order to maximise your health, so that you have the resources to maximise the help getting to the substance user.

Workshop Dates:
Friday 2 November - 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Saturday 3 November - 9:30am to 5.00pm
Friday 16 November - 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Saturday 17 November - 9:30am to 5.00pm.

Plus optional drug information night:
Tuesday 13 November - 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Where: Calvary Hospital (Bruce) Seminar Room
Application: Register soon, phone (02) 6123 2410 or online: http://www.fds.org.au/services.html#01
Cost: $30.00 per family (includes manual "Guide to Coping").

Click here for the flyer.

Women and Hepatitis C
ACT Hepatitis C Council & WIREDD
Do you - or someone close to you - have Hep C? Want to find out about the issues in a safe, supportive, women-only environment?
Then come along to these information sessions where you can ask questions and meet other women in similar situations:

Wednesday 17 October
Treatment for Hepatitis C: an overview
Anne Blunn, Liver Clinic, Canberra Hospital
Get your questions answered by an expert!

Wednesday 31 October
How to avoid catching or transmitting the virus to others: The Facts vs The Myths
(Informal session)

Wednesday 21 November
How to live with the virus and stay healthy – Lifestyle changes that work
(Informal session)

Where: WIREDD, Ground floor, Griffin Centre, Genge Street, Civic
There will be information sheets and refreshments available at these sessions. Childcare can be arranged if pre-booked at least one week before each session. Call Bec on 6248 8600 or email wiredd@toora.org.au for more information and to RSVP for meetings.

ACT Early Intervention Awards 2007
Supportlink, Domestic Violence Crisis Service & Parentline
The awards are designed to highlight the significance of early intervention services in the prevention of (including but not exclusive to) child and elder abuse, family violence, substance abuse, suicide and mental illness, crime, social isolation, preventable family breakdown and homelessness. The awards also aim to promote “best practice” and excellence in community service delivery. To support this aim, the Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services has contributed a $5000 award which will be presented to the agency / program assessed to be the most outstanding in either category.
Applications close: on COB Friday, 9 November 2007.
The Award Ceremony will be held on Wednesday 12 December 2007.

Click here to download a nomination form.

ACT Executive Directors' Group

The ACT Executive Directors’ Group provides a forum for Alcohol and Other Drug Chief Executives and Executive Directors to:
• Share information about the changing needs of the ACT community, service development priorities and opportunities to resource initiatives.
• Facilitate linkages between alcohol and drug services and relevant national and local strategies and initiatives such as the ACT Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drug Strategy 2004 –2008 and the National Drug Strategy: Australia’s Integrated Framework 2004-2009.
• Facilitate the ongoing development of effective linkages with other sectors including youth, children and families and mental health.

While there is no peak AOD body for the ACT the EDs meet as a united group and appoint a lead agency when the need arises.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of the month.

For more information contact the Secretariat, Alcohol and Other Drug Policy Unit, ACT Health on 6205 0932

Public consultation on the draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking
The Australian Alcohol Guidelines: health risks and benefits, issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in 2001, are currently under review by the NHMRC in collaboration with the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The draft revised Australian alcohol guidelines for low-risk drinking are now available for public consultation until 11 December 2007.
Copies of the draft revised guidelines are available from http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/consult/index.htm

Of Substance: The national magazine on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
Of Substance covers the latest Australian news and research on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and is a useful resource for organisations and individuals who provide services to those affected by substance use. Published quarterly, printed copies are now available free of charge to subscribers within Australia and the Asia/Pacific region.
To subscribe visit http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/

Wizz Wize - Users Educating Users
The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) has launched Wizz Wize; a website that aims to raise awareness of Hepatitis C and other blood borne viruses for people who use amphetamines and similar illicit drugs.

To view the site go to http://www.wizzwize.com.au

‘Out of Harm’s Way’ – Taking the violence out of drug use resource
The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC) Education Trust has produced a new brochure titled ‘Out of Harm’s Way’ – Taking the violence out of drug use. This resource is aimed to give the reader some simple tips on how to deal with a range of aggressive behaviour that may occur after taking drugs. Written with drug users and their friends in mind, it is also suitable for frontline health professionals to assist them in their interactions with clients.
An order form can be downloaded from http://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/

Indigenous Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Bibliographic Database
The Annotated Bibliography is a relational-file, bibliographic database that contains references, keywords and brief annotations for over 1000 items on Indigenous Australian substance use. The database allows you to search for items by authors, titles, or keywords.
The website can be located at http://www.db.ndri.curtin.edu.au/

Launch of new Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Website
In partnership with the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Alcohol Related Brain Injury Australian Services (arbias) is pleased to advise of the launch of the FASD national website. Following the introduction of Australia’s first FASD diagnostic and support service last month. This national website was developed to provide comprehensive local and international information.
To visit the site go to http://www.nofasard.org.au

Hep B Forum: New email distribution list
Hep B forum is a new email distribution list that allows subscribers to keep up to date about current events and happenings and to share ideas, exchange opinions, and debate current issues relevant to local and national public health responses to hepatitis B. Hep B forum is hosted by Hepatitis Australia.
To subscribe to hep B forum visit http://hepbforum.hepatitisaustralia.com

Consumer and Carer Involvement in Comorbidity Treatment Planning Package
The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing commissioned Health Outcomes International to develop Australia’s first Treatment and Planning Package for involving consumers and carers in planning their own treatment.
The package provides guidelines specifically to encourage the involvement of people with coexisting mental health and substance use disorders and their carers in treatment planning with services. The package consists of the following:

• Model for consumer and carer involvement in comorbidity treatment planning which includes the underpinning principles of the model and an outline of required policies;
• Consumer information kit; and
• Carer information kit

The package can be downloaded at
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/WCMS/publishing.nsf/content/phd-comorbidity-treatment-model

The ANEX Illegal Drugs & Mental Health Conference Presentations
Conference speakers’ presentations from the ANEX Illegal Drugs & Mental Health Conference held on 3 – 4 September 2007 are now available for download.
To download visit http://www.anex.org.au/conference/presentations.htm

ACT Alcohol and Other Drug Training and Professional Development Calendar (Nov - Dec 2007)
The quarterly AOD Sector Training and Professional Development Calendar compiles training and professional development opportunities available for workers from the AOD and allied sectors.

To get a copy contact Amanda Bode, AOD Sector Project Officer, Youth Coalition of the ACT on info@aodsector.org.au or 6247 3540

Co-Morbidity Bus Tour
The Youth Coalition runs monthly Bus Tours that provide workers with an opportunity to gain insight into and build networks with alcohol and other drug, mental health, youth and community agencies in the ACT. Some feedback has included:
• “Fantastic way to meet people and learn about other organizations.”
• “I made 17 contacts today which would have taken me a year to make otherwise.”
• “I want all my staff to go.”
• “It was a really good day. Stimulating and challenging.”
These tours are extremely popular, and are booked out for the rest of the year. If you or your staff members are interested in attending tours in 2008, contact Steve on 6247 3540 or steve@youthcoalition.net
For more information go to the Youth Coalition website http://www.youthcoalition.net 
Click here to download the flyer.

Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships: For Alcohol and Other Drug and Mental Health Workers
The National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) has $1.9 million in funding to be awarded for Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships as part of the National Comorbidity initiative. The Comorbidity Professional Development Scholarships are open to Alcohol and Other Drug and Mental Health workers employed in non-government organisations. The initiative aims to enhance workers professional skills and knowledge across the comorbidities of AOD and Mental Health by providing funding to support eligible workers to undertake relevant professional development and/or training.

Two Scholarship rounds are scheduled for 2007/2008:
Round One:
Opens Monday 15 October 2007,
Closes Monday 12 November 2007.
Round Two:
Opens Monday 5 February 2008,
Closes Monday 3 March 2008.

To download the flyer click here.
For more information or an application form visit http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au/projects/comorbidity.html

From Go to Whoa: Psychostimulant (Ice, MDMA, Speed) Training Program for Health Professionals
ACT course facilitated by Jo Smith, Community Education Manager, Directions ACT
One day training course developed by Turning Point, to assist health professionals to manage and treat users of psychostimulants. Modules include pharmacology, epidemiology & responding to psychostimulant use.

For registration information visit http:://www.turningpoint.org.au or for more information contact Kieran Connolly on (03) 8413 8704 or kieranc@turningpoint.org.au

Training Program for Volunteer telephone support-line for families affected by drugs
Gain skills in listening, support and motivation. This weekend training program will enable selected applicants to handle incoming calls from families affected by drugs. It is not essential to have counselling skills or be an expert in drug and alcohol matters. On-going support is offered. All enrolees will be phoned prior to the course. After completion of training, a minimum of 4-5 hours per fortnight telephone attendance for 12 months is asked of you.

Date: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November 2007.
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Calvary Hospital, Lewisham Building
Trainer: Tony Trimingham (Director of Family Drug Support)
Cost: Nil to Family Drug Support Members, $30 for others

For further information/booking email admin@fds.ngo.org.au or please ring 4782 9222 or 0412 414 444.

Talking Practice Workshop 4: Listening and Responding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People -Learnings from the Out of Home Care Forum
Recently the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Unit in the Office for Children, Youth and Family Support (DHCS) and the Institute of Child Protection Studies (ACU) met with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to learn about their experiences, and to find out how the Out of Home Care system can be improved. The findings were presented to workers at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Out of Home Care Forum in September 2007.
Some key findings from the project will be presented at this workshop. We will look at implications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, services and youth participation. We will also discuss some learnings on to how to better work and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Workers will participate in a workshop that looks to further improve our practice in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, families and communities.

When: Thursday 15 November, 2007
Time: 11am – 12.30pm
Cost: Free
Where: 46 Clianthus St, O’Connor (Youth Coalition Office)
Food: Morning tea will be provided
Bookings Essential: By Wednesday 14 November. Only 20 places available. Contact Steve on 6247 3540 or steve@youthcoalition.net
Click here for the flyer

Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training
ACTCOSS
Facilitated by Kerry Reed-Gilbert.
The Aboriginal Culture, History and Heritage Training is a cultural awareness program for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. It provides participants with information and skills that not only increases their own knowledge in relation to the history of this country, but also provides skills that allow better communication and protocol between both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to take place.

Date: Friday 30 November 2007
Time: 9.30am - 4.30pm
Location: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre, Lady Denman Drive, Yarramundi Reach.
Cost: $100 for members, $150 Non-members, $200 Government.
Morning tea, afternoon tea and lunch provided.
To download a registration form visit http://www.actcoss.org.au or for more information contact ACTCOSS on 6202 7200.

Mental Health Short Course Offered
ACT Health is bringing the comprehensive VicHealth 'The Short Course: Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing' to Canberra. Together with health, many sectors of the community play a major role in improving mental health and wellbeing. Participants are sought from diverse sectors as this course is designed to increase their skills and capacity to undertake successful mental health promotion activity.

Date: 22 – 23 November 2007
Cost: $300 Registrations are essential as places are limited.

Contact Melissa Lee on (02) 6207 5994 or email Melissa.Lee@act.gov.au

Mental Health First Aid
Presented by Dr Claire Kelly
2 day course covering substance use disorder, depression, anxiety disorders and psychosis. The training covers helping people in mental health crisis situation and / or in the early stages on mental health problems.

Date: 7th - 8th November
Cost: $220 - $230
Contact VYNE, 6251 4166, vyne@ozhelp.org.au or http://www.ozhelp.org.au

Applications for Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies: distance education programs
Applications are now being accepted for the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Alcohol and Drug Studies distance education programs, offered by the Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide, for the 2008 intake.
The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma will provide students with a broad educational experience including the scientific basis of drug action and drug addiction, approaches to treatment and community interventions and contemporary drug policy in Australia. The Graduate Certificate comprises two courses and is completed part-time over one year, one course per semester.

Courses:
Unit 1 Drugs and Drug Problems
Unit 2 Responses to Drug Problems

After completion of the two courses above, the following two courses are required to qualify for the Graduate Diploma, completed over one year part-time.

Courses:
Unit 3 Issues in Drug Policy and Management
Unit 4 Contemporary Research in Alcohol and Other Drugs

The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are offered in distance education mode with no requirement to attend classes or examinations at the University.

Applications close on Friday 7 December 2007 for commencement in 2008.
For more information and application forms visit http://www.health.adelaide.edu.au/pharmacology/Programs/coursework.html

‘Disadvantage and diversity’: Australia’s Welfare 2007 conference
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) is hosting "Disadvantage and Diversity", a one-day conference in Canberra. Topics covered will include ageing and aged care, children, youth and families, welfare expenditure, labour force, housing and homelessness.
The conference will assess current welfare statistics and demonstrate the relevance of these figures to existing and future welfare practices and reforms.It will bring together welfare professionals, researchers, policy makers, practitioners and academics working across all industry and government fields.
Date: Thursday 6 December 2007
Location: The Marque Hotel, 102 Northbourne Ave, Canberra
For more information visit http://www.aihw.gov.au or contact Alison Diamond, Conference Coordinator on 6244 1287 or conference2007@aihw.gov.au

Australasian Therapeutic Communities Association Conference 2007: “Past, Present & Future”
This year ATCA celebrates its 21st Anniversary with 2007 conference plans to showcase the many positive contributions Therapeutic Communities have made to the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction in Australia & New Zealand. The 2007 ATCA Conference will also demonstrate that Australia & New Zealand have formed alliances with international Therapeutic Community organisations and recognise the unique impact Therapeutic Communities have as an effective intervention for drug alcohol and comorbid client groups.

Date: 14th - 16th November 2007.
Location: Park Hyatt, Melbourne.

You can download a registration form and more information from http://www.atca.com.au/atca%20melbourne%202007.htm

Election 2007: Major parties' drugs and alcohol policies
The October 2007 edition of 'Of Substance' magazine contains a feature outlining the drugs and alcohol policies of each of Australia's major political parties. The Australian Democrats, the Australian Labor Party, the Liberal/National Coalition, Family First and The Greens were each asked to submit a statement explaining their approach to drug and alcohol issues; 'Of Substance' has published each of these statements in full in order to help its readers to make an informed decision on polling day.

'Of Substance' can be viewed online at: http://www.ofsubstance.org.au/

Development of Corrections Health Services Plans 2007-2010
ACT Health has developed a Draft Adult Corrections Health Services Plan 2007-2010 for the ACT’s new prison, the Alexander Maconochie Centre. It has also distributed a Draft Children’s and Young People’s Justice Health Services Plan 2007-2010. The public consultation phase on these drafts ended on 9 October and we await the final versions of these policies.

The Draft Adult Corrections Health Services Plan is available in pdf format at http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10010771&pid=1186965774
The Draft Children’s and Young People’s Justice Health Services Plan at http://www.health.act.gov.au/c/health?a=da&did=10010771&pid=1186964001.

Whole of Government Indigenous Service Delivery Arrangements
Australian National Audit Office
The Australian National Audit Office has just released its performance audit across agencies in the funding and delivery of services and support for Aboriginal people. The report is titled Whole of Government Indigenous Service Delivery Arrangements.
Click here to download the report

New national Illicit Drugs in Sport Policy
The Australian Government has announced a new national Illicit Drugs in Sport Policy: ‘Tough On Drugs In Sport’. $21 million will be provided to test sports-people out-of-competition, to encourage sports to adopt sanctions with consequences following a first breach, to manage test results and to provide player education. Funding will be provided to sports that subscribe to minimum standards for testing, sanctions, management of results and education. The Government’s media release, fact sheet and policy statement are online at http://www.dcita.gov.au/sport/illicit_drugs

An alternative policy framework for sport, focusing on harm minimisation rather than zero tolerance, has been recommended by a group of leaders of the Australian AOD sector in an Open Letter published on 11 September in anticipation of the Government’s policy being released:
Time for sense: drugs in sport, an open letter http://www.adf.org.au/article.asp?ContentID=openletter

Compulsory treatment in Australia
The Australian National Council on Drugs has recently released the 14th in its Research Papers series. The key questions addressed by the paper are:
• What are the legislative provisions for commitment of offending and non- offending individuals into treatment in Australia?
• What is current professional practice in Australia in the area of compulsory treatment for AOD issues?
• What is the Australian and worldwide research evidence on compulsory treatment of offending and non-offending individuals for AOD dependence?
• Is there a place for compulsory treatment in Australia? If so, what are the principles that should underpin compulsory treatment?
Pritchard, E, Mugavin, J & Swan, A 2007, Compulsory treatment in Australia: a discussion paper on the compulsory treatment of individuals dependent on alcohol and/or other drugs.
The report is available as a large pdf from http://ancd.org.au/publications/pdf/rp14_compulsory_treatment.pdf or in hard copy from the ANCD, phone (02) 6166 9600 or email ancd@ancd.org.au

The effectiveness of incarceration-based drug treatment in reducing drug relapse and recidivism
This systematic review of the published research aimed ‘to synthesize the extant evidence regarding the effectiveness of incarceration-based drug treatment in reducing drug relapse and recidivism’. The research in this area is limited in terms of amount, scope and quality, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Nonetheless, the review’s findings are that, overall, ‘participation in these drug treatment programs was associated with a modest reduction in post-treatment offending’, and that the effectiveness of drug treatment varied by type of treatment.
Miitchell, O, Wilson, DB & MacKenzie, DL 2006, The effectiveness of incarceration-based drug treatment on criminal behavior, Campbell Collaboration Criminal Justice Review Group is available at http://www.campbellcollaboration.org/doc-pdf/Incarceration-BasedDrugTxSept06final.pdf

Evidence for the success of multifaceted approaches to tobacco control in Australia
Researchers from the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer at the Cancer Council Victoria have published an important study assessing the impacts of smoking control measures in Victoria. They found that some two-thirds of both successful and unsuccessful quitters ‘believed that at least one quitting aid or service contributed to their quit attempt’. Anti-smoking television commercials, nicotine replacement therapies and/or other medications, advice from health professionals and self-help materials were all believed to contribute positively. ‘Overall, these results provide strong support for a continued multifaceted approach to tobacco control in Victoria, with a strong focus on airing emotive anti-smoking commercials that alert smokers to the negative consequences of smoking.’
Brennan, E, Durkin, S, Wakefield, M & Dunlop, S 2007, Victorian current and former smokers’ quitting activity, and the impact of cessation aids, services and anti-smoking campaigns, CBRC Research Paper Series no. 29, Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, The Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, is available at http://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/cbrc_research_papers/quitting_activity_rps29.pdf

Alcohol and other drug treatment services in Australian Capital Territory 2005-06: findings from the National Minimum Data Set
The Australian Institute for Health and Welfare has officially released a data briefing summarising the main findings from the 2005-06 Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services (AODTS) NMDS data for the Australian Capital Territory.
To download the publication visit http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm

Wellbeing, Stress & Burnout: a national survey of managers in alcohol and other drug treatment services
Vinita Duraisingam and others / National Centre for Education on Training and Addiction, Flinders University
A survey of alcohol and other drug treatment services found that a majority of managers were satisfied with their jobs and committed to their organisations. But 8 per cent of managers indicated experiencing high levels of burnout and one in five expressed an intention to look for a new job outside the field. The key predictors of managers’ wellbeing were perceived reciprocity, adequate managerial skills and training, high levels of workplace support, high levels of autonomy, manageable workloads, adequate rewards for performance, and a safe and pleasant physical work environment. This report highlights key study findings and implications for workforce development workplace policy and practice.
To read the full text visit http://www.nceta.flinders.edu.au/projects/workforce_development/research.html#Burnout

Examining the evidence for ‘proven’ school-based drug abuse prevention programs
‘In an effort to promote evidence-based practice, government officials, researchers, and program developers [in the USA] have developed lists of model programs in the prevention field. This article reviews the evidence used by seven best-practice lists to select five model prevention programs. The authors’ examination of this research raises questions about the process used to identify and publicize programs as successful. They found limited evidence showing substantial impact on drug use behavior at posttest, with very few studies showing substantial impact at longer follow-ups. The authors advocate additional long-term follow-up studies and conclude by suggesting changes in the procedures for developing best-practice lists.’
Gandhi, AG, Murphy-Graham, E, Petrosino, A, Chrismer, SS & Weiss, CH 2007, ‘The devil is in the details: examining the evidence for “proven” school-based drug abuse prevention programs’, Evaluation Review, vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 43-74.

Further questioning the efficacy and effectiveness of school-based drug education
Meta-analysis is a well-accepted technique in which the data from a number of studies are pooled and analysed to provide far greater statistical power than would otherwise be available. This method was used by the late Nancy S. Tobler and colleagues in the USA in the 1990s to produce what have become globally the most influential reviews of school-based drug education. Those reviews concluded that school-based drug education can reduce drug use among students, that approaches where students interact (e.g. in small group discussions) are much more effective than non-interactive approaches, and that among the interactive approaches those focusing on comprehensive life skills development are superior to those emphasising social influences, e.g. teaching refusal skills. The data has been re-examined and these conclusions have been found to be wrong on a number of counts. The differences between interactive and non-interactive programs are now found to be not statistically significant, and almost certainly not substantively significant, either.
McCambridge, J 2007, ‘A case study of publication bias in an influential series of reviews of drug education’, Drug Alcohol Rev, vol. 26, no. 5, pp. 463-8.

Extension of the Illicit Drugs Diversion Initiative (IDDI)
On 28 September the Australian Government Minister for Ageing, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP, announced that the Australian Government will spend more than $165 million to extend the IDDI to 2010-11. A condition of funding will be that IDDI programs adopt a common set of principles for offenders to be eligible for diversion.
The Minister’s media release is at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr07-cp-pyn108.htm?OpenDocument&yr=2007&mth=9

Improved Services for People with Drug and Alcohol Problems and Mental Illness
28 September 2007
The Australian Government will allocate grants of $29.9 million to improve the treatment of people who have both drug and alcohol and mental health problems. The Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, said the funding would help non-government drug and alcohol treatment services to better identify and treat people with complex comorbidity issues. “In all, 87 drug and alcohol treatment services will benefit from funding, including some that provide services for Indigenous people and people from different cultural backgrounds,” Mr Pyne said.
To download the Improved services media release and list of successful applicants click here.

$49.3 M Boost For Drug and Alcohol Services in Regional and Remote Indigenous Communities
On 9 August 2007 the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough, and the Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne announced that the Australian Government has approved up to $49.3 million over four years for drug and alcohol services in regional and remote Indigenous communities across four states.
The media release is at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/ministers/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr07-cp-pyn091.htm

Consumer Representation - AIVL
The Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL) is the national peak organisation representing the State and Territory based drug user organisations and issues of national significance for illicit drug users. AIVL is a peer based organisation, which means that it is run by and for people who use or have used illicit drugs.

To download AIVL's consumer representation policy click here or visit http://www.aivl.org.au

ORYGEN Youth Health Service
ORYGEN is a unique organisation made up of a specialist youth mental health service, a research centre and a range of education, training, advocacy and health promotion activities.At ORYGEN they believe that young people who use the service have a lot to contribute. As a client a young person learns a lot about what helps and what doesn’t, and can use that knowledge to improve the service and help others. 

To find out more about the Youth Participation initatives at ORYGEN visit http://www.orygen.org.au/contentPage.asp?pageCode=YOUTH

Publications and Research Officer: Hepatitis Australia
The Publications & Resource Officer position at Hepatitis Australia has become available. The Publications & Resource Officer is responsible for the development and maintenance of Hepatitis Australia’s print and online information resources, liaison with IT and design contractors and general in-house IT support.
People wishing to apply for this position must have:

• experience in drafting content and desktop publishing of print publications, preferably experience using Adobe InDesign.
• experience in the management of web sites or ability to quickly acquire.
• strong organisational skills preferably in relation to the co-ordination of publication production.
• excellent communication skills to liaise with clients, stakeholders and suppliers.
• experience in engaging and managing contractors (design, print publication or website services).
• knowledge and understanding of public health issues, in particular hepatitis C or the ability to quickly acquire relevant knowledge.
• demonstrated experience in drafting content and desktop publishing of health information resources and materials would be an advantage.

This is a full-time (37.5 hour week) position located in Woden, Canberra with a salary commencing at $40,000 - $50,000 per annum dependent on skills and prior experience plus 9% statutory superannuation. Salary sacrificing is available with significant tax benefits.Recent graduates may be considered for this position.

Applications for this position close at 5pm Friday 16 November 2007. All applications must directly address the selection criteria. Please download the application including selection criteria from http://www.hepatitisaustralia.com or contact 02 6232 4257 to have the application posted.

2007-08 ACT Women's Grants Program Now Open
Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services
The ACT Women’s Grants Program is an ACT Government initiative that provides funding assistance to develop activities that improve the status of women in the ACT. A total of $100,000 in funding is available.

Applications are invited to apply for funding under the following two categories:

Special Projects: up to $15,000 per project is available to support activities that progress one or more objectives of The ACT Women’s Plan by contributing to public policy, service development for the benefit of women or by adding to the research base. Copies of The ACT Women’s Plan are available from the ACT Office for Women (see below).

Capacity Building: up to $3,000 per project is available to support activities that strengthen the capacity of community organisations and their contribution to women in the ACT community.

Application packages and further information are available from the ACT Government’s Grants Portal at http://www.grants.act.gov.au, by emailing women@act.gov.au or by telephoning 6207 2552. Applications close on Friday, 7 December 2007.

National Youth Week 2008 Grant Applications Are Now Open!
Held between 5 - 13 April 2008, the theme will be SHOUT. SHARE. LIVE. UNITE.
There are many ways young people and youth services can get involved:
1 Start thinking about what events you would like to host next year. Maybe an open day, forum, competition, performance, expo, sporting event… anything to involve, support and promote young people
2 Be involved in NYW Talent Competitions through design, photography, music, writing and film
3 Nominate a young person (or yourself!) to join the Youth Committee, and be involved in organising NYW in the ACT.
4 Apply for a NYW Grant to help pay for your event.
5 Contact us to be involved in NYW events such as the Film Festival, or Expo in Civic (performers, craft marketplace etc).
To download the Grant application information in PDF click here, and in Microsoft Word format, click here. To see a list of previous recipients, click here. For more information, contact the Youth Week Coordinator at the Youth Coalition of the ACT on 02 6247 3540 or youthweek@youthcoalition.net
Making Contact (http://www.makingcontact.net.au) is the website of Youth Week in the ACT. Visit it regularly to check for more information.