DRUG AND ALCOHOL SERVICES

129 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 July 2010).

1. Why aren't more Drug and Alcohol Services delivered by the non-government sector to increase services in metropolitan and regional South Australia?

2. Why is there no specific program for Drug and Alcohol services in Housing Trust homes?

3. How long is the waiting list for 'in-house' residential Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation programs and what is the government doing to reduce it?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised that:

1. In addition to services provided directly by the South Australian government through Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) and other public health services, an extensive range of alcohol and other drug treatment services are provided by non-government organisations and private sector organisations.

The South Australian government continues to work with the non-government sector to enhance capacity and consolidate the important role of non-government organisations. The South Australian government provides funding to the peak body for the non-Government alcohol and other drug sector, the South Australian Network on Drug and Alcohol Services. Through this funding, collaborative work is undertaken to establish effective communication and consultation mechanisms that: engage the whole sector; support quality service delivery; and increase workforce development.

2. DASSA's community-based service programs offer a free and confidential treatment service that provides counselling, assessment and referral for people from any age group and regardless of their housing situation with alcohol and other drug related problems. It also provides counselling and support for family members and friends, provides specific services for Aboriginal and young people, and consultation, education and training for other professionals.

The community-based program works collaboratively with accommodation support agencies, including the South Australian Housing Trust offices, and other welfare based agencies. This collaboration enables the provision of advice and training for responding to substance misuse and the acceptance of treatment referrals for more complex or challenging clients.

3. The Woolshed residential program has an average waiting time of 60 days.

The Amata Substance Misuse Facility operated by DASSA on the APY Lands does not have a waiting list.

In order to reduce waiting times for the Woolshed, DASSA operates three houses to enable clients to be effectively transitioned from the Woolshed Residential Rehabilitation Program.

In addition, from initial engagement with the Woolshed, a process of assessment and pre-entry preparation is put in place for each client. This plan ensures clients are supported and transitioned to residential treatment. DASSA Community Services staff and the 24-hour telephone Alcohol and Drug Information Service, provide counselling and referral services to both city and rural clients.

Partnership agreements and Memorandums of Understanding have been developed with non-government organisations to strengthen the transition of clients to and from each service without a break in the continuum of care. This further enhances the ability to move new clients into programs at a more efficient rate.