Latest policy briefings and responses

Making the connection: Developing integrated approaches to domestic violence and substance misuse (PDF) This is the final report of DrugScope/LDAN’s Domestic Violence project, funded by London Councils, which focused on the development of a cross-sectoral network bringing together domestic violence and drug and alcohol services. The report presents the key learning from the projet, and should act as a useful and ongoing resource for practitioners, as well as local commissioners.

The Alcohol Strategy and beyond (PDF) is a DrugScope briefing for the drug and alcohol sector on developments in alcohol policy. What is the focus of the strategy? Does the evidence support it? How does the alcohol strategy fit in the wider context of drug and alcohol policy? This briefing looks at all the main issues, while providing links and resources and a glossary of terms.

Building for Recovery (PDF) The 2010 Drug strategy set out a vision for ‘recovery-oriented’ drug and alcohol treatment. What does this involve? What are the opportunities for and barriers to implemention in a period of radical policy change and financial austerity? This DrugScope report for the Drug Sector Partnership contributes to the important debate about the nature of recovery, sets out the challenges and makes recommendations.

The Troubled Families Agenda (PDF) The Prime Minister launched a major new initiative for ‘troubled families’ in December, with a commitment to Government investment on a ‘payment by results’ basis. This Adfam, DrugScope and UKDPC briefing provides an overview of this initiative with a focus on its relevance for drug and alcohol services and links to further information and resources.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PDF) Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will be elected in November 2012. They should have an interest in local drug and alcohol services given their responsibility for crime reduction, and will control relevant budgets. This briefing for ‘Safer Future Communities’ provides an overview of the PCC role for our sector, and resources to help you prepare.

Dual diagnosis: a challenge for the reformed NHS and for Public Health England (PDF) This discussion paper from DrugScope, the Centre for Mental Health and UKDCP considers the high proportion of people in both mental health and substance misuse services with ‘dual diagnosis’. It considers the potential impact of reform of the NHS and public health for this group highlighting some key challenges and identifying opportunities and ways forward.