Agenda item

(1)       Mrs Andrews introduced a report which explained that the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action Team (KDAAT) commissioned a range of treatment services across Kent in order to prevent problematic substance misuse, reduce drug and alcohol related crime and supported the long term recovery of people affected by drug and alcohol misuse.  KDAAT had performed well in recent years and had increased the number of people coming into treatment and completing it successfully.  The recently published Public Health White Paper and National Drug Strategy were focusing on recovery and re-integration of people affected by drugs and alcohol and KDAAT had been piloting a new recovery focussed approach to treatment in Gravesham and Swale. Learning from the pilot would be used to reshape local drug and alcohol services from 2011/12 onwards.  She stated that Kent was nationally recognised as a leader in this field but she knew that KCC could not deliver the strategy on its own and it was important to encourage partners to pool budgets to bridge any gaps in service.

(2)       Mr Hirst referred to the Select Committee on Alcohol Misuse and stated that nearly all the issues in the government programme had been highlighted by the Select Committee review.  He emphasised the importance of redressing the balance in funding between drug and alcohol services.  He mentioned the importance of drawing upon the good project work that Essex County Council were doing in relation to treatment.   He stated that this was a big opportunity to empower individuals who wished to give up drugs or alcohol.

(3)       In response to a question on how to help children affected by drugs and alcohol, Mrs Andrews confirmed that there were ongoing substance misuse parents projects.  In the focus areas and in Thanet there was a real emphasis on the family rather than just treating the individual.  Where there were children involved the link was made to Social Services.  She also referred to the Hidden Harm Strategy which had been embedded into everyday practise.   She explained that regarding how to stop young people getting involved with drugs in the first place, there was an element of preventative work which had to be integrated with the rest of Children and Young Peoples Services.  Mr Gilbert explained that part of young peoples services was early intervention services which included raising awareness.

(4)       Mr Hill stated that in the five years that he had had this portfolio, KDAAT had done better and he had been impressed with their success. However there was an uncertainty about funding from other sources. 

(5)       Mrs Andrews confirmed that the consultation on the future of local drug and alcohol services would close in March and, in addition to an on line consultation, the views of GP’s and other stakeholders were being sought.

(6)       RESOLVED that (a)  the changes in policy and plans for drug and alcohol services in Kent outlined in the report and the comments made by Members be noted.

(b)       the Committees support for KDAAT’s forthcoming consultation on the future of local drug and alcohol services be noted.