Cambridgeshire DAAT Briefing - December 2003

Please find the first Cambridgeshire Drug Action Team Briefing, which informs those interested in the current work of the DAAT and its partners in tackling drugs across the county. I hope you find it useful - your feedback is welcome. If you would like further information on any of the below, please do not hesitate to contact the DAAT Office on 01223 718 225.

GENERAL NEWS

• There have been a number of strong applicants for the post of DAAT Information Officer, it is hoped that there will be someone in post by the end of March 04.
• There are now Key Performance Indicators for a number of agencies, which will be reporting their progress relating to substance misuse directly to the Home Office. These are currently in draft format but will be with agencies at a national level shortly.
• "Champions" have been nominated and agreed for areas of the Cambridgeshire DAAT Strategy - these are:
• Young People - Tom Jefford, Head of Youth Offending Service
• Treatment - Jane Davis, Joint Commissioning Manager
• Availability - Mark Hodgson, Community Safety, Cambs Constabulary
• Communities (Criminal Justice) - Andrew Powell, Assistant Chief Probation Officer
• Communities (other) - Ian Stewart to nominate from County Council
• Plans for the forthcoming year are beginning to be written and the DAAT Office will require input from a number of agencies to ensure these plans are comprehensive.
• Cannabis - Legislation for re-classification will go through parliament on 29th January. The DAAT will be issuing press releases to Cambridgeshire Newspapers and radio stations advising on this.

YOUNG PEOPLE

• Members identified the work their agencies do in supporting children with drug misusing parents in line with the Governments "Hidden Harm" recommendations.
• Although the guidance is not yet published, indications suggest that money to tackle misuse amongst young people will be pooled. The DAAT await further guidance.
• Members agreed to fund a Young Peoples Substance Misuse Co-ordinator, for 3 days a week for a year, who would be responsible for the delivery of the DAAT Young Peoples Plan. The post would be employed through Cambridge City PCT and the post will be advertised early in the New Year.
• DAAT are holding a Young Peoples Substance Misuse Planning event on 11th February 2004 to look at the contributions all agencies can bring to the county. If you are interested please contact Vickie - details below.
• "Every Child Matters" the Governmental Green paper regarding the co-ordination of agencies working with children has implications with regards to substance misuse. A summary of these implications, were presented to the DAAT and are available on request.

COMMUNITIES

• Drug Audits - As part of the Police Reform Act, each Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership now has to complete a drug audit of their area. These relate to the district council areas and a team of researchers and analysts will be conducting this work over the next few months. They will require information on trends, hot spots and individual professionals perceptions of the drug issues in their area. If you have any questions please contact the DAAT Co-ordinator.
• Structured Day Care - a paper was presented by Andrew Powell and it was agreed that a structured day care working group would be set up in the New Year to examine provision. It was felt that this would also relate to throughcare and aftercare.
• Throughcare/Aftercare - for 2004-2006 the DAAT will receive funding to ensure that those in the criminal justice system are able to access support and treatment for their drug problems. This will also support those leaving treatment and leaving prison. With pump priming money a Researcher will be employed for 3 months, from 1st February to examine the current system and scope possible arrangements for the next 2 years.
• All on licensed premises in the county were sent posters warning customers of the dangers of having their drinks spiked. The message was "Drink Spiking is rare, but please be aware". This was very successful with a large number of pubs and clubs displaying the posters by the bar. It is hoped that this will be repeated each Christmas.

TREATMENT

• A paper was presented by the Joint Commissioning Manager on the potential role of Injectable Heroin for the treatment of drug misusers. The statement of the Joint Commissioning Group was supported, which stated that whilst injectable heroin does have a role to play in the treatment of drug misuse, it is essential that National Treatment Agency guidelines are adhered to.
• Hepatitis C - The DAAT have recently been awared a grant of £22,000 to increase awareness and testing of Hepatitis C. This work is currently in progress and will continue for the next few months.

AVAILABILITY

• The first Cambridgeshire and Peterborough DAAT Availability meeting was held in November. The meeting will contribute to the co-ordination of action to tackle drug supply across the force as well as adding to information sharing between the Constabulary and other agencies.

Next DAAT Meetings:

Friday 5th March, 12.30pm Hunts District Council
Wednesday 9th June, 12.30pm Eastbrook Centre, Cambridge