ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK 3RD JULY - 9TH JULY
According to a survey of 267 prisoners by the commission 70% of inmates responded that they had been drinking when they committed the crime that put them away. 46% female respondents and 37% male respondents reported that drinking was a big issue.
Screening criminal justice offenders:
Identify to have alcohol or drug use disorders. In some jurisdiction is to identify benefit from sanctions and may restrict use and reduce individual offenders. Short questionnaires can be used to screen people for alcohol use.
TESTING: Use of self report instruments evaluate offenders use and related problems
INTERVIEWING/ASSESSMENT: Face to face interactions trained personnel and offender to review offenders test results. Clarify the circumstances of the arrest and identify any problems.
REFERRAL AND MONITORING: Referral of offenders for appropriate services, track progress through the system and assessing their compliance with court-mandated treatment.
Alcohol awareness and treatment programmes:
Due to limited access to recovery services and unrecorded alcohol in some prisons inmates suffer from alcohol addiction become even more vulnerable to health risks. Drug and alcohol services can work with the mental health and primary care teams providing effective and safe treatment. Screening, assessment and treatment should look at substance use and related physical / mental needs. A care plan should be put in place to address needs and recovery goals. Access to suitable interventions to support treatment and recovery.
Mandatory Drug Testing:
Three main procedures for selecting people for testing. Computer generated random tests carried out monthly. Targeted testing if there is reasonable suspicion that drugs have been used. Risk assessment testing when you are being considered for temporary release or transfer to an open prison.
85,000 prisoners in England and Wales, 63% described as hazardous drinkers.
2009 Review by National Probation Service: Alcohol-related interventions in prisons established an effective commission and delivery. Resources and dedicated funding for the provision of alcohol interventions and treatment. Guidance and protocols to inform the targeting of available interventions. Appropriate and accessible alcohol treatment provision.
2010 Review by HM Inspectorate of Prisons: Highlighted the failure of the prison service to address the problems of alcohol misuse in prisons adequately. Reoffending rates and growing prevalence of alcohol-related crime.
Until the next Legal Thought,
Elicia Maxwell
Articles:
Comments