To continue to support delivery of provision for these clients, the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP) is working with a range of stakeholders to identify and promote examples of practice.
Findings from families and drugs related work completed for the National Offender Management Service (NOMS) Drugs' Strategy Team (Partners in Reduction - NOMS 2005) identified that the support needs and provision for families of drug using offenders were often overlooked. This was reiterated by a variety of other research projects and group feedback. In 2005 further consultation was carried out with affected families and a number of common themes and suggested actions emerged. These were summarised in annex A of the Around Arrest, Beyond Release report
A second paper 'Around Arrest and Beyond Release 2' is currently being developed. The paper aims to take forward the suggestions for future practice made in the earlier paper, and provides examples of some of the approaches adopted by partnerships and projects. It aims to support the development, planning and delivery of services and support for families of drug misusing offenders and is aimed at individuals involved in these roles.
During January and February 2008, eight fieldwork visits were made to areas and projects who have started to address some of these challenges. The new paper shares examples of current and emerging practice which might assist partnerships, agencies and practitioners willing to develop work with families of drug misusers, particularly those families facing problems related to a drug user's arrest and release.
'Around Arrest and Beyond Release 2' is expected to be finalised and available on this site by the end of 2008.
