220 likes | 424 Views
M.O.A.T. Not Just Sink or Swim. Traditional and formal addictions services often have gaps; we work with our clients (community members), colleagues and partners to remove barriers and build bridges between “ us” and “them” in order to become “we ”. -MOAT Team.
E N D
M.O.A.T Not Just Sink or Swim
Traditional and formal addictions services often have gaps; we work with our clients (community members), colleagues and partners to remove barriers and build bridges between “ us” and “them” in order to become “we”. -MOAT Team
Food is the major addiction of Americans and alcohol is "virtuous" if taken in moderation, the AlbertaConference on Alcohol Studies has been told. Dr. Nelson State Hospital, in a report delivered yesterday said food addicts die much sooner than alcohol addicts. Toledo Blade, Aug 25, 1955
“and recommended a change in the Criminal Code to provide a drug addiction clinic where addicts under treatment could obtain free drugs.” Alberta Liberals Endorse Public Ownership of Power Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, November 19, 1962
A very, very, very brief history • Addiction was seen as a moral failure and as a criminal behaviour • In the past, access to addictions treatment has been mostly geared towards mainstream society by government institutions • Go to an office, get assessed, get referred • One approach that the government used was to place Addictions Counsellors with the community agencies that served high risk populations
History: How we came about • A RFP was sent out by Alberta Health Services to look at addressing the gap in addictions services for high risk, marginalized populations. • Boyle Street Community Services, Streetworks and George Spady Centre started on a collaborative project that eventually became the Mobile Outreach Addictions Team
Who we are • Management Team • Sandy Bergwall, Manger Mental Health Services BSCS • Marliss Taylor Program Manager, Streetworks • Lorette Garrick, Executive Director, George Spady Centre • Sandy Ericson, Manager, Community Safety BSCS
Who we are • The TEAM • Geoffrey Villebrun, Team Leader, MOAT • Chantelle Bailey, MOAT • Rosey Dodman, MOAT
Support • Patrick Teghtmeyer, AHS Addictions and Mental Health • Louise Rackel RN, Boyle McCauley Health Centre • Tammy Taylor, Addictions Counsellor, George Spady Centre • Jordan Jahrigand Mary McCarthy Addictions Councellors AHS-Addiction Recovery Centre • All the staff and BSCS, GSC and Streetworks (btw, tyll)
Partnerships • Boyle Street Community Services • Mental Health • Safer Communities • Streetworks • The George Spady Center
How it works • Referral Based (Limited Blind Referrals) • We have a process (Exciting!) • Follow up, Follow Up, Follow Up Service Users are not “dropped” or files aren’t “closed”
Why (we hope) it works*fingers crossed* • A Harm Reduction approach is taken with service users • Multi-Disciplinary team • Networking and Partnership building • Limited Blind Referrals (from workers and to other agencies) • Service continues along the spectrum • Advocacy strategies
Why (we hope) it works *fingers crossed* (Continued) • Outreach Component • Team members dedicate time to increase knowledge base • Develop appropriate resources
Outreach Component • Ability to go to client when needed • The part of our job that allows us to do our part to eliminate barriers as opposed to help creating them • Streetworks Needle Exchange Van • Parkland Outreach • Street Outreach • Safer Community Walks
Why is it different?An Addictions Counsellor’s perspective • Strategies used by team members vs. strategies taught in formal educational setting • Looking at it like a puzzle • How theory learned plays a part (pros and cons) • What population/counselling setting that education is geared towards
Why is this different?An outreach worker’s perspective • Most formal addictions services provided by established institutions are set up for main stream society • Institutions provide great service to the majority but, are often challenged to respond quickly to the needs of individuals with multiple and challenging barriers to service • Institutional Policy and Procedure are important but, can restrict the ability for accessible services
Why is this different?An outreach workers perspective • Working with individuals that have addictions can sometimes require a specific knowledge base that takes time and resources to develop • Having access to workers with this knowledge provides not only an avenue for access but, support and consultation for other workers that may have specialties in other areas
Challenges • Funding • if it works, is there money in the future? • Transitional Services • we know seamlessness works • Housing • what to do after
Opportunities/Solutions • Networking • most of us are aiming for the same goal, individuals engaged in healthier and safer lifestyles • Communication • increase in talking with other teams helps our clients • Fast Track Service • Need Detox? We might be able to help with that • Collaborative Case Management • it’s hard to do everything
Thank you! • Chantelle Bailey cbailey@boylestreet.org 780.906.3164 • Geoffrey Villebrun gvillebrun@boylestreet.org 780.905.9680 • Rosey Dodman rdodman@boylestreet.org 780.906.8752