RESOURCES FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES IN STRATHCONA COUNTY

Transcription

1 Council Meeting Date: April 21, 2009 Agenda Item #: 11.1 RESOURCES FOR DRUG AND ALCOHOL ISSUES IN STRATHCONA COUNTY Report Purpose To update County Council on the resources available in Strathcona County to address prevention, early intervention, treatment and enforcement of drug and alcohol issues. Recommendation THAT Council receive the Resources for Drug and Alcohol Issues in Strathcona County report as information. Strategic Plan: Governance Community Well Being Community Sustainability Economic Viability Service Delivery Stakeholder Communication Resource Management Legislative/Legal: n/a Economic: n/a Social: Providing a broad spectrum of resources and services addressing drug and alcohol issues contributes to the overall health and well being of residents. All community members and local organizations have a responsibility and a role to provide support and resources to those in our community who are struggling with alcohol and drugs. The coordinated, collaborative response to drug and alcohol use in Strathcona County is evidence of a community who values all members. Initiatives which promote residents feeling of connection to their community is a protective factor against the harmful effects of drug and alcohol use. Environmental: n/a Stakeholder: Community organizations, government services, education, law enforcement, health, and residents Interdepartmental: n/a Summary Drugs and alcohol can have a devastating effect on individuals, families and communities. The range of problems associated with substance abuse requires a comprehensive and integrated approach. Since 2001, community partners in Strathcona County have been working together to develop comprehensive strategies and implement services that address identified gaps and needs, and provide a coordinated approach to the prevention, early intervention, treatment and enforcement of drug and alcohol related issues. These issues continue to be addressed through strong partnerships and effective service delivery. Document FCS

2 Enclosures I. Resources for Drug and Alcohol Issues - Doc# FCS (ppt) Author: Corey Stevenson, Family & Community Services Date: March 24, 2009 Manager: Jackie Winter, Family & Community Services Associate Commissioner: Denise Exton, Community Services Document #: (FCS.23750) Document FCS

3 Resources for Drug and Alcohol Issues in Strathcona County Council Meeting: April 21, 2009 Document #FCS Family and Community Services

4 Factors that Contribute to Risk or Health Parenting Family Health School/Education Emotional/Mental Health Social Skills Community Services Peers Activities Coping Skills

5 Education Government Services Community Adult Learning Council Health Elk Island Public Schools AADAC Youth & Adult Services Region 6, Edmonton & Area Child and Family Services McMan Youth, Family & Community Services Elk Island Catholic Schools Alberta Health Services- Strathcona County Health Centre Home Care Mental Health Physicians and Psychologists Private Counselling Services Strathcona County Family and Community Services Social Services Advisory Committee Boys & Girls Club Information & Volunteer Centre Community Organizations Strathcona County Youth Council A Safe Place Big Sisters, Big Brothers Child and Adolescent Services Association Sherwood Park Ministerial Association SAFFRON Sexual Assault Centre Parents Empowering Parents U- Turn for Youth Community Mediation Society R.C.M.P. Victim Services Youth Justice Committee Probation, Sherwood Park R.C.M.P. Law Enforcement/ Justice

6 Current Trends 59% of youth feel it is important not to drink alcohol and 86% feel is it important not to use illegal drugs (Youth Survey 2008) 33% of youth believe illegal drugs are easy to obtain (Youth Survey 2008) Alcohol and marijuana are consistently the most commonly abused substances Trafficking charges have increased Possession charges have stayed the same

7 Prevention RCMP DARE classes in Junior high and elementary schools DARE parent component classes Presentations on drug and alcohol awareness and impaired driving AADAC Kids and Drugs parent education course AADAC curriculum - Be Your Own Hero Packages of AADAC Parent resources distributed to school principals Regional/Provincial media campaigns Family and Community Services Parent Link Centre Groups - Free the Horses, Competent Kids, Triple P Parenting, Youth in Action, Kids Have Stress Too Developmental asset initiative Drug trends presentation for professionals Strathcona County Youth Council Coordinate monthly newspaper articles written by a variety of agencies Drug/Alcohol Resource Directories Youth Help Cards Boys and Girls Club of Strathcona County Affordable and accessible programs and services for children and youth ages 6-17 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area Matches boys and girls with adult mentors

8 Early Intervention AADAC Individual and family addiction assessments Offers information, support and services to local employers Family and Community Services Parent Leadership Series Parent Teen Conflict Resolution Binge Drinking Awareness Campaign Counselling for individuals, couples and families Boys and Girls Club Youth worker RCMP School Resource Officers Drug Recognition Expert presentations to local industry Elk Island Public Schools Disciplinary hearings held for students in lieu of expulsion

9 Treatment AADAC 2 full time and one part time staff working in Strathcona County Mobile youth worker offers individual and family counselling Protection of Children Abusing Drugs Act (PChAD) Let s Face It is a support group for adult family members of substance abusers Individual and family counselling Treatment services Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) Support group for parents U- Turn youth group Al-Anon, Ala-Teen Program for family and friends of problem drinkers Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous Several meetings happening in the County Alberta Mental Health Services Partners with AADAC in treating concurrent disorders Bosco Homes Offers intensive inpatient program for youth years

10 Enforcement 2 full time officers in drug enforcement unit Drug Recognition Expert in Strathcona County detachment Access to K- Division resources when needed

11 Strategies Being Developed Integration of Mental Health and AADAC Resources for temporarily homeless/couch surfing youth Work collaboratively with all sectors to address root causes of substance abuse