HARP (Horton Addiction Recovery Programme) 14 Edmund Street Bradford BD5 0BH. Selection and Allocation Policy

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1 HARP (Horton Addiction Recovery Programme) 14 Edmund Street Bradford BD5 0BH Selection and Allocation Policy HARP (Horton Addiction Recovery Programme) will endeavour to ensure that its services are allocated in a manner consistent with Horton Housing Association s overall Selection and Allocation Policy. The following document will set out the approach and will deal with: Aims and Objectives Services Provided Selection Criteria and Assessment of Priority Need Timescale for Decisions Equality & Diversity Introduction HARP is part of Horton Housing Association, which is a not for profit organisation that aims to provide services for vulnerable people who find it difficult to access mainstream services. This policy compliments Horton Housing Association s Selection and Allocation Policy, and can be read in conjunction with the HARP Service Description and other relevant policies, particularly the Equality and Diversity Policy. All can be found on the web site: HARP is situated on the outskirts of Bradford, the same site as Valley View House. HARP provides recovery programmes to clients wanting to address their substance misuse issues. There are various programmes to engage clients at different levels of their recovery. Aims Our aims are: To address substance misuse and identify skills to prevent relapse. To enable clients to succeed in their desire to build new lives; 1

2 To provide high quality recovery programmes which are responsive to client needs, circumstances and aspirations. To support clients to develop skills and gain confidence in their ability to manage their recovery. Objectives In order to meet the above aims, HARP s objectives are: To work with our clients to enable them to gain confidence and develop the skills required to manage their recovery; To engage positively with clients who are socially excluded and have difficulty in accessing services; To work assertively with clients who have engaged in treatment to remain engaged in treatment; To support clients to comply with statutory orders and the requirements of criminal justice agencies, including the courts; To actively engage clients in other structured day care or recovery groups in order to assist in achieving and maintaining an abstinent lifestyle where appropriate and preventing relapse. Services Provided The range of services provided can include: Support to maintain engagement in recovery and treatment. Linking in to education, employment, training, leisure and/or other diversionary activities. Identifying appropriate agencies to provide specialist support or healthcare, and assisting with access to these agencies Emotional support during stressful times to try and prevent loss of engagement through inability to cope. Encouragement to become more widely involved in community activities and to establish and maintain support networks where appropriate. Selection Criteria To be eligible for a place at HARP, applicants must meet the following criteria: Aged 18 or over; Working towards sustaining a drug/alcohol free lifestyle; Commitment to engage and attend agreed programmes and groups at HARP. We do have wheel chair access at HARP. We would work out whether the service is suitable or whether special needs can be met as part of the assessment. Priority to access the service if there is a waiting list will be given to the most vulnerable and/or at risk. 2

3 Ineligibility for HARP Applicants are likely to be ineligible for HARP in the following circumstances: if they are using illegal substances and drinking alcohol; if the person is assessed by staff as posing an unacceptable risk of violence or anti-social behaviour to clients and/or staff. There are no "blanket" exclusions - each application will be considered on an individual basis. How to make referrals Referrals for all services can be made in a variety of ways that can include telephone, fax, or letter. They can be made directly by the applicant or on their behalf by a relative, carer, friend, advocate or a representative from an agency such as, but not limited to: Drug treatment services DIP (Drug Interventions Programme) Police NHS (GP, nurse etc) Prison authorities Probation HARP will request appropriate information about the referral prior to assessment and it is expected that referring agencies will provide any information relevant to the applicant s presentation of risk in respect to themselves and others. Assessment All applicants will be assessed against the above criteria using an up-to-date version of the Association's Assessment Tool. Assessment will take place within a week from referral and the appointment will be confirmed in writing. The assessment will take place at HARP. The Assessment will include an interview with the applicant. It will last about an hour. Whilst some of the information requested may be seen as intrusive, it will only be sought insofar as it is needed to enable an accurate analysis of the service s ability to deliver a package of support. This is also an opportunity for the applicant to find out more about the service and decide whether they feel that the service is appropriate for them. The assessment will be carried out by HARP staff, but may also include third parties invited by either the applicant or the staff team (with the applicant's permission). Such third parties would normally only be invited in order to facilitate the process of carrying out an effective interview. Examples might include other professionals with more detailed knowledge of the applicant, or difficulties that they experience, an interpreter or 3

4 a friend who is able to offer additional support. Upon completion of the assessment, the assessors, will consult more widely with the scheme manager or other colleagues where decisions are felt to be complicated, and will consider the findings. A decision as to whether or not to offer a service will then be taken. All information received will be treated in accordance with the Association s Confidentiality Policy. All applicants will be given the opportunity to read and sign their assessment and will be offered a copy. Outcome of Assessment Applicants will be informed by telephone and/or letter the outcome of the assessment within one week. If we have a vacancy, successful applicants can begin the programmes and/or groups at an agreed date with the service. If the service is full applicants will be placed onto a waiting list. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable at this time. Unsuccessful applicants will be given details of other agencies that may help them. Applicants have the right to appeal at each stage of the referral and assessment process. Equal Opportunities Statement HHA aims to provide equal, fair access and provision of services to all applicants and clients. We aim to eradicate discrimination and unfairness on any grounds including: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion and belief Sex Sexual orientation HHA is committed to developing an organisational culture which values people from all sections of society and the contribution that each individual can make. HHA recruits and trains staff to make sure that they understand and are sensitive to particular needs of clients from minority ethnic communities and other disadvantaged groups. A client s right to be treated with respect and in confidence will be upheld by all members of our staff team. 4

5 Monitoring The selection and allocation process will be monitored to identify potential areas of discrimination, assess changing patterns of need and to inform future strategies. Contact Details Services: HARP Telephone: Postal address: HARP 14 Edmund Street Bradford BD5 0BH Website: Further information about HARP can be found in the Service Description, which is available from the scheme or from HHA s website. 5