Cambridgeshire DAAT Briefing - March 2004

The "Cambridgeshire Drug Action Team Briefing" aims to provide information regarding the current work of the DAAT partnership in tackling substance misuse across the county. I hope you find this useful - your feedback is welcome. If you would like further information on any of the following, please do not hesitate to contact the DAAT Office on 01223 718 225.

GENERAL NEWS

• DAAT Information Officer, Laura Hutson, began in post in February 2004.
• DAAT Administrator, Jo D'Arcy, began in post during March 2004, she will work for the DAAT for 3 days a week and for the Community Safety Team for 2 days.
• The Key Performance Indicators have been agreed nationally, however, there are still issues over definitions.
• The National Alcohol Strategy was launched on 15th March 04, alcohol is integral within DAAT strategies and the DAAT office will be examining how to co-ordinate the recommenDAATions within the strategy and its implications.
• DAAT/CDRP Integration - all CDRPs and DAATs are required to submit a paper to Government Office outlining closer working relationships and links between the DAAT and Community Safety Partnerships. The DAAT Co-ordinator worked with the Community Safety Strategy Officers to produce this submission. The exercise highlighted a significant number of links, however, these are dependant upon individual members ensuring these links are effective.
• Cannabis has now been re-classified from a Class B to a Class C Drug. The DAAT office issued press releases to the media and circulated information regarding reclassification to all GPs, Youth Workers, Information Centres, libraries and others. Cannabis has been re-classified, NOT decriminalised. It is still illegal and those under 18 found in possession of cannabis will be taken to a police station and cautioned. Those who grow, possess or supply cannabis still risk a jail term, community service or fine.

YOUNG PEOPLE

• A Young Peoples planning event was held on 11th February 04, this was well attended and provided the opportunity for a wide range of agencies to feed into planning for young peoples substance misuse activity.
• The DAAT will receive a "Young Peoples Partnership Grant" during 2004/05, indications are that this will not be less than total amounts received in 2003/04. A draft plan is currently under discussion.
• Veronica Callanan has been employed as the Young Peoples Substance Misuse Co-ordinator and will drive forward the implementation of the plan. She will begin work during April 2004.

COMMUNITIES

• Lucas Oliver, Community Support Worker funded by East, City and South Cambs Community Safety Partnerships, will be based in the DAAT office from April 2004.
• Work has begun on countywide drug audits, Laura (DAAT Information) is leading on this for the DAAT. Laura has sent out approximately 900 surveys to around 300 agencies. If you receive a survey your response is greatly appreciated.
• Structured Day Care - the Joint Commissioning Manager, Jane Davis is currently identifying the funding available for Structured Day Care. Once this has been established a working party will be formed to take this forward.
• Throughcare/Aftercare (CJIP) - the DAAT will receive £320,000 to develop an integrated criminal justice programme for offenders with a drug misuse problem, including the integration of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders (DTTO) and the Persistent Offender Reduction Team (PORT). There will be 3 teams based across the county in Wisbech, Huntingdon and Cambridge. This will also be used to develop services for those leaving treatment programmes. A Project Manager will be recruited to drive this forward, in the short team a CJIP Research Officer, JC Anstee, has been employed for six months to conduct scoping and research work to enable this work to begin.
• Cambridgeshire DAAT website is currently under construction. This will be ready to launch in May 2004. Partners will be asked for input in order that the site can be expanded in the future.

TREATMENT

• To DAATe the DAAT have submitted a joint treatment plan with Peterborough DAAT. The NTA have requested that separate plans are submitted for 2004/05. This work is complex and has been led by Jane Davis.
• Staff from all drug agencies have received Hepatitis C training and are beginning oral testing of injecting drug users.

AVAILABILITY

• Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the DAAT are currently writing the DAAT Availability Plan, this will be presented to the Availability Group on 26th April 2004.

Next DAAT Meetings:

Wednesday 9th June, 12.30pm Eastbrook Centre, Cambridge
Thursday 2nd September, 12.30pm Venue to be arranged
Thursday 9th September, 12.30pm The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely