What is it?
The programme is a major part of the measures in the Updated Drug Strategy for reducing drug related crime.
It aims to take advantage of opportunities within the criminal justice system for accessing drug misusing offenders - many of whom are difficult to access by other approaches - and moving them into treatment, away from drug use and crime.
The programme ensures that expansion of individual interventions is accompanied by a definite move towards providing a beginning-to-end support system for dealing with drug misusing offenders.
The Interventions:
Enhanced Arrest referral
All offenders who have been arrested are offered to see a drugs referral
worker in order for them to be assessed and offered treatment.
Drug Testing
Offenders who are charged for 'trigger offences' (acquisitive
crimes committed to feed their drug habit, i.e. shoplifting or theft from
a vehicle) are tested for heroin and cocaine
in the custody suite at the police station.
Bail Restrictions
Restrictions on court bail for those tested positive to encourage defendants
to enter treatment.
Community Sentences
Community Sentences with Drug Treatment and Testing Orders tailored to offenders
particular needs.
CARAT service in prisons, including treatment programmes, being integrated into the way drug mis-using offenders are managed by multi agency teams.
For more information, visit www.drugs.gov.uk on our links page.