DTC Program Considerations *The Role of Social Integration
Toluca, Mexico November, 2013 Robin Cuff, Manager Toronto Drug Treatment Court Centre for Addiction & Mental Health
“I want to be ‘normal’” Drug Addiction is not about Drugs
……. It’s about LIFE
Graduation Requirements • Minimum 1 year in DTC • 3 months abstinence • 3 months no criminal charges • Housing • Job, School, Volunteering ●
Social re-integration built in
Early interventions/skill building PREPARING TO INTEGRATE • • • • • • • • • • • •
Health Dental Pain Management Schedules Food Income support Transportation Support Accommodation Safe use practices (harm reduction) Identification Curfews Geographic Restrictions Throughout – building therapeutic rapport - note shame based – deposit – before can withdraw
Continued interventions/skill building
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Bank accounts Continue to address physical health Address Mental Health – Assessment and Treatment Continue to address housing – temporary, shared – independent Literacy Cooking/Shopping Socialization Communication – Anger Management Leisure Activities – Gym, museum, “drug-free” entertainment Addressing criminal thinking “CSOs” – often pre-curser to volunteering Immigration issues Safety planning ● Peer Support Worker provides valuable service
Closer to graduation • • • • • • • • • • •
Job “fairs” Volunteer work Pre-employment skills Employment training Family re-integration Parenting Healthy relationship building Resume writing Continued Life Skills Computer Skills Continues Mental Health coping skills
Collaborations/Referrals are Key • Community and Government Agencies for example: • Supportive Housing • Skills training • Income Support • Specialized Groups • Literacy • Gender-specific • Cultural Centres/Services • Child Protection Services • Parenting instruction • Trauma services Also business community – e.g. basketball challenge, special events
“This is my story” Success? Daniels Joanna Miguel
Together!