Download this fact sheet: The Koori Alcohol and Drug Plan 2003–2004 [PDF: 79 KB]
Number 2.21 May 2004
For workers
Introduction
In September 2001, the Victorian Government allocated $1 million per year for the development of a Koori Alcohol and Drug Strategy, as part of the Victorian drug strategy.
The Koori Alcohol and Drug Plan 2003–2004 is the first phase of the Koori Alcohol and Drug Strategy. The plan provides an overview of major drug issues and developments within existing, new and future Koori alcohol and drug programs. It responds to
priority areas identified through consultations between the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Koori community.
Koori Drug Strategy Advisory Committee
In 2003, DHS established a Koori Drug Strategy Advisory Committee to ensure input from the Koori community and relevant government departments into the development of a Koori-specific alcohol and drug strategy. Based on this input, the Committee endorsed a range of priority areas and initiatives for The Koori Alcohol and Drug Plan 2003–2004.
2003–2004 Initiatives
1. Koori youth residential healing facility
A Koori Youth Residential Healing Facility will be established to assist young Koori people to recover from alcohol and substance misuse in the context of a spiritual healing model.
2. Upgrade of Koori community alcohol and drug resource centres
Resources have been allocated for minor works to upgrade Koori alcohol and drug resource centres.
3. Inhalants resource kit
This kit is based on the South Australian Volatile Substance Kit, developed through the Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council of Australia. The Victorian version is designed to support Koori alcohol and drug workers when working with Koori people who are sniffing solvents, as well as providing information for parents and the community. The kit contains a video, five booklets and a poster.
4. Koori workforce development
This program will provide training and skills development for Koori alcohol and drug workers to ensure that the existing workforce is able to identify and respond to client needs. Initiatives for 2003–2004 include:
- delivery of accredited training in advanced case management and advanced counselling skills
- development of an induction program
- INTRAIN scholarships: Indigenous Training and Recruitment Initiatives Program
- the development and delivery of training in drug diversion programs.
5. Education products on alcohol and drugs
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) developed a suite of six different drug and alcohol posters and leaflets for Koori people, based on existing and new Koori-specific education materials. These materials, entitled At What Cost? were released in September 2003.
6. Five community tobacco control projects
These projects aim to reduce smoking and to increase awareness of the health risks of smoking within the Koori community. The projects are being conducted in five different regions throughout Victoria . The projects employ a number of strategies including train-the-trainer models, community awareness programs, training for health workers, offering QUIT courses and research. These projects are underway and will be independently evaluated. The evaluation is due for completion in September 2004.
7. Koori-specific About Better Communication on Drugs (ABCD) program
Adapted from the successful ABCD parenting program to suit the Koori community, this project will promote family strengthening by supporting Koori families in understanding and addressing the impacts of substance misuse. So far, extensive consultation has occurred regarding the program model, which will inform the development and implementation of a pilot program and future state-wide delivery of the program to the Koori community. For information about the program, see Report on the findings of the Koori About Better Communication about Drugs (ABCD) project (J. Borg, 2004, Melbourne : Rural and Regional Health and Aged Care Services, Department of Human Services).
8. Foetal alcohol syndrome
Research will be conducted to identify the issues related to foetal alcohol syndrome. Recommendations from this research will be used to raise awareness.
9. Barriers to successful transition to primary schools
Retention of children and young people at school has been identified as a major protective factor in relation to social issues including alcohol and drug harm prevention. Research will be conducted to identify factors that deter Koori young people from attending primary school, and recommendations will be made on how to address this issue.
10. Improving Koori worker access to drug information
In partnership with VACCHO, the DrugInfo Clearinghouse is undertaking the Koori Access Project in order to enhance Koori workers’ capacity to access information on drugs and drug prevention. This includes the development of a Koori webpage as part of the DrugInfo Clearinghouse website.
11. Drug and alcohol support in police cells
The aim of this project is to provide timely assessment, treatment and referral for Koori people held in police custody who have a demonstrable drug problem. The existing service, known as the Custodial Health and Alcohol and Drug Nurses ( CHAD nurses) project, is a joint initiative between the Department of Human Services and Victoria Police. Under the Koori Alcohol and Drug Plan, an additional CHAD nurse position is being funded to provide support to regions with high demands for this service.
Future directions
Subject to funding availability, further initiatives may also be implemented in the 2003–2004 year according to identified priority areas. These include:
- identifying and implementing drug prevention initiatives which target young people and families
- research on alcohol use in Koori communities,
prevention and treatment of alcohol-related harm
In the longer term, further initiatives will be developed under the Koori Alcohol and Drug Strategy. This will be in keeping with the continuing objective to minimise the harms caused by substance misuse and to improve the overall health of the Koori community, in partnership with the Koori community and organisations.
Copies of the Koori Alcohol and Drug Plan 2003–04 are available for download from www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd; for a printed copy, contact the Department of Human Services, Rural and Regional Health and Aged Care Services Division on tel. (03) 9637 4838.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) for permission to reproduce its artwork.
For information about drugs and drug prevention, see our website at www.druginfo.adf.org.au, or contact our Information Officer for assistance on email druginfo@adf.org.au or tel. 1300 85 85 84 ( Victoria only).