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Effective Interventions Unit Moving On: Update Employability And Employment For Recovering Drug Users
Appendix 2: Feedback from the 7 Regional 'Moving On' Seminars in 2001
Moving On: Education, Training and Employment for Recovering Drug Users
Moving On is a research review of education, training and employment opportunities for recovering drug users. It involved a literature review, a mapping of current provision in Scotland and a qualitative consultation with service users, providers and employers. The report was published in September 2001 and we conducted 7 multi-agency seminars around Scotland to disseminate the results and promote discussion and networking amongst potential local partners.
We agreed to let all participants have a digest of the main points raised in the workshops. In this brief feedback sheet, we give particular emphasis to points that were not covered in the
Moving On report. We have grouped the views expressed by participants under the following headings:
Key features of a successful intervention
Being 'client-centred' means…
Treating people as individuals - tailor plans to the individual not just to their drug habit
Being flexible but providing stability
Giving people a chance and providing a way back after relapse
Setting realistic goals and milestones within a clear structure - making the purpose and the end point clear
Being accessible - easy access, no waiting lists, minimum bureaucracy, suitable opening hours
Having knowledgeable staff who believe in the potential for change
Knowing when to refer a client to another agency
Allowing the client to
own their assessment.
Interventions should consider offering…
One-to-one support e.g. buddy systems
Keyworkers to support individual and services
Practical support e.g. childcare or transport costs
Opportunities to try things out e.g. work or college course tasters
Support to other family members
Support that allows clients to move away from the 'drugs' tag
Ongoing assessment that recognises development and progression
Support for clients at the 'transition' points.
To get clients into jobs…
Know the local labour market, including skills shortages - use interface agencies such as the Employment Service
Get employers and their staff on board early - consider using 'business mentors'
Provide subsidies and incentives
Match the client carefully to the job
Be honest with employers - remember that drug agencies are employers too
Take the time to explain the issues and what support is available
Publicise success stories to other employers
Provide services to employers in return e.g. providing information on developing workplace drug policies or offer support to existing staff if problems arise
Take a long term view and work with the managers of the future, e.g. at graduate training level.
Working Together
Successful partnerships can be built through…
Honest, clear communication between clients, agencies and employers
Knowing your partners, what they do and why they do it
Mutual trust
All agencies working together with the client to assess
progress
Core assessments and protocols for information sharing
Joint training
Inter-agency placements
Co-ordinated funding
Effective Interventions Unit
January 2002
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