HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01161990 - IO.1 TO: BO-h-,RD OF SUPERVISORS
f Contra
CostaFROM: •. 1•
INTERNAL OPERATIONS COMMITTEE 's
County
DATE: January 8, 1990
SUBJECT: REPORT ON FINAL DRAFT OF COUNTY-WIDE DRUG AND ALCOHOL ACTION
PLAN AND PLANS FOR CONFERENCE ON JANUARY 30-31 , 1990.
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
RECON1NIErIDATIONS:
1. Approve the attached draft of the County-wide Drug and
Alcohol Action Plan and authorize its release to
participants at the January 30-31, 1990 County-wide Drug and
Alcohol Conference and others as appropriate.
2. Refer to the 1990 Internal Operations Committee the
responsibility to incorporate into the County-wide Drug and
Alcohol Action Plan, along with the assistance of the Action
Plan Advisory Committee and County staff , comments and
changes which are required to reflect the input from the
January 30-31, 1990 Conference and return a final version of
the Action Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 27 ,
1990 so that the Board of Supervisors may consider placing
the final Action Plan on the ballot June 5, 1990 for
ratification by the voters.
3 . Fix February 27 , 1990 at 11: 00 A.M. for a public hearing on
the question of whether the Board of Supervisors should
place the approved County-wide Drug and Alcohol Action Plan
on the June 5, 1990 ballot for ratification by the voters of
Contra Costa County. In this regard, indicate that it is
the intent of the Board of Supervisors to vote on March 6 ,
1990 on the question of whether or not to place the Action
Plan on the ballot.
4. Request County Counsel, based on the attached draft of the
Action Plan, to draft possible language for the ballot and
present it to the 1990 Internal Operations Committee by
February 7 , 1990.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: AYES SIGNATURE:
RECOMMENDATION OF COT;()M;POWE]RTS
ATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE � '• (�
SIGNATURES: SUNNE WRIGHT McPEAK
ACTION OF BOARD ON January 16, 1990 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED X OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE
X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN
AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS THE DATE SHOWN.
CC:. County Administrator ATTESTED
Health Services Director PHI BATCHELOR,OdRK OF THE BOARD OF
Alcohol Program Administrator SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Drug Program Administrator
M382 (10/88) BY 04� DEPUTY
5. Request the Health Services Director to prepare possible
language for an argument in favor of the ratification of the
Action Plan and present it to the Internal Operations
Committee by February 7, 1990 , along with his
recommendations for who should sign the argument in favor of
the Action Plan ratification, in the event the Board of
Supervisors decides to place the Action Plan before the
voters in June, 1990.
6. Request the Health Services Director to prioritize the
actions suggested in the Action Plan, provide possible costs
for various scenarios at different funding levels and
suggest possible funding sources for each scenario, in the
event the alcohol tax initiative either fails to qualify for
the November 1990 ballot or qualifies, but fails to pass, so
that the County has some options available for implementing
those portions of the Action Plan which are judged to be of
highest priority.
7. Remove as referrals to our Committee the following items:
A. October 24, 1989 referral of a letter from the
Spiritual Assembly of the Baha' is of Walnut Creek,
recommending Thelma Ellenbee as their representative on
the Action Plan Advisory. Committee.
B. October 31, 1989 referral asking the Committee to
provide oversight to the planning for the County-wide
Conference and the preparation of the Action Plan.
BACKGROUND:
on October 31, 1989 the Board of Supervisors requested that our
Committee oversee the preparation of the County-wide Drug and
Alcohol Action Plan. Our Committee made a status report to the
Board of Supervisors on this subject December 12, 1989, at which
time we were asked to make a final report to the Board on January
16, 1990.
The requested draft Action Plan, which has been prepared by the
Action Plan Advisory Committee appointed by the Board of
Supervisors, was reviewed by our Committee on January 8 , 1990 . A
very few changes in the text were made at that time. We
anticipate that additional changes will be suggested by the
County-wide Conference on January 30-31, 1990 and by those
regional groups which are still considering the final text of the
Plan. Rather than incorporating any further changes at this
point we have agreed to recommend that the Action Plan go to the
Conference in this form and that any suggested amendments be
considered by the Action Plan Advisory Committee after the
Conference.
The Action Plan Advisory Committee should incorporate any
required changes to the Plan and present a final version to the
1990 Internal Operations Committee early in February so that we
can consider the final Action Plan and forward it to the Board by
February 27, 1990 . We are suggesting that the Board hold a
public hearing on February 27, 1990 on the question of whether
the Action Plan should be placed before the voters in June and
that the Board should make a final decision at the Board meeting
on March 6, 1990.
Final plans for the January 30-31, 1990 Conference are proceeding
well and we anticipate an outstanding event which will kick off
the campaign for placement of the Action Plan on the ballot and
its subsequent ratification by the voters as well as the campaign
for passage of the alcohol tax initiative.
0
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DRUG AND ALCOHOL ACTION PLAN
(A PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE CONTRA. COSTA)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERALL GOALS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OVERALL STRATEGIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
'REVENUE REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SUMMARY OVERVIEW:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TREATMENT/INTERVENTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LAW ENFORCEMENT/INTERDICTION. . . . . . . . . . . .
IMPLEMENTATION IDEAS:
PREVENTION/EDUCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TREATMENT/INTERVENTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
LAW ENFORCEMENT/INTERDICTION. . . . . . . . . . ..
t: t
r. r
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DRUG AND ALCOHOL ACTION PLAN
(A PARTNERSHIP FOR A DRUG-FREE CONTRA COSTA)
I . INTRODUCTION
Contra Costa County has a seriou's and growing problem with
the illegal use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs. The
problem involves all age groups, all ethnic and racial
groups, all economic levels of the community and all
geographic areas of the County.
While there may be differences in the perception of the .
problem in different areas of the County, the problem is
there, it is countywide, it is serious and it will not go
away by denying that it is a problem.
Abuse of alcohol and other drugs is serious in all areas of
the County, even though the form in which it is displayed,
the impact on the community or even the types of drugs, which
are involved may be different in different areas of the
County.
Huge and growing resources have been applied in recent years
to stopping the manufacture, importation, distribution and
sale of illegal drugs. While. law enforcement attacks on the
supply of drugs needs to continue, law enforcement officials
are the first to note that no amount of funds will ever stem
the supply of drugs as long as the demand for drugs
continues unabated. If the demand for drugs were to be
substantially reduced, the supply would dry up because it
would no longer be profitable to take the risks associated
with the manufacture, importation, distribution and sale of
illegal drugs .
There is a widespread attitude in the community which
condones and even encourages the use and even abuse of
alcohol and other drugs . As long as this attitude is
prevalent in this County it will be difficult to address the
problem.
While government must be a partner in the solution of the
problem, government alone cannot solve the problem,
particularly without the total support of the community.
The problem of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs is so
widespread in this County that it will require a major,
coordinated effort on the part of all elements of the
community to solve the problem - truly a community-wide War
on Drugs
This War on Drugs must involve all elements of the
community:
Parents, children, students, young adults,
grandparents/seniors, neighborhood and homeowners
associations, schools and colleges, employers, labor
organizations, religious organizations, service clubs,
non-profit community-based organizations and providers, the
media and cities and the county. Most individuals are
members of one or more of these groups . Therefore, all
individuals have a stake in seeing the problem solved and a
role in making that happen.
In order for a War on Drugs to be effective, the community
must develop a "zero tolerance" attitude toward the illegal
use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs . This must be
reflected in both individual and organizational behavior.
Protection must be provided to those citizens who are
courageous enough to speak out about illegal drug
activities . Support and protection must also be provided to
young people who want to speak out about stopping the use of
drugs . Currently, many such young people are ridiculed and
even threatened because of their anti-drug convictions.
The major regions of Contra Costa County are different in
terms of the form in which the problem is displayed, the
resources which are available to fight the problem and the
needs which have been identified. As a result, each region
must identify for itself what it needs to do. Strategies
which are needed in West County may not work in South
County. The resources which are available in Central County
may not be present in East County. The needs in one
community will probably be different from those in another
community.
Each community needs to define the extent and nature of the
problem in their community, the resources which are present
to address the problem and the unmet needs which are
identified. Then each community must develop a strategy
which will work in that community to provide resources to
meet the unmet needs . Prevention, treatment and law
enforcement activities must. be sensitive to the community' s
economic and racial diversity.
What follows are some actions which have, been developed by
the three major regions of the County which help to provide
a strategy for addressing the drug problem in the County.
What is included here are only some of the suggestions which
have been made. The three regional Community Action Plans
from which this document is formed are available for a more
detailed and specific review of the assessment which has
been made in each region of the County.
It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors to submit this
Action Plan to the voters of Contra Costa County in June,
1990- 'for ratification after it has been reviewed and a
consensus has been reached at the Countywide Drug and
Alcohol Conference in January, 1990 .
II. OVERALL GOALS
Following are the overall goals which should focus each
community's efforts :
Reduce the incidence of the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs in Contra Costa County through:
* Prevention and Education
* Intervention, Treatment and Aftercare
* Law Enforcement and Interdiction
Empower individual citizens, community organizations
and key civic leaders to take responsibility for
reducing the abuse of alcohol and other drugs .
Encourage an integrated effort with participation from
all sectors of the community - individuals, families,
schools, law enforcement, media, business and labor,
medical, mental health and alcohol and drug services
providers, religious and community organizations, local
government and service organizations .
Mobilize and maximize the effectiveness of existing
resources through cooperation and public-private
partnerships . Generate new resources where needed.
c t r
III. STRATEGIES
The preceding goals can best be achieved through the use of
the following strategies:
Mobilize and involve all key community leaders and
organizations to participate in a community-based
organization against the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs .
Increase community awareness through the organization
of community groups and the involvement of elected
officials, key advisory Boards and Commissions and the
media in a concerted countywide effort on a community
by community basis .
In establishing a community-based organization against
the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, build upon the
groups and efforts that already exist in the community;
expand and build on what already is established to
provide a broader and stronger base of participation.
Provide an organizational framework countywide for
effective and efficient coordination of community
activities . Assure linkage of community-based
organizations against the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs to create a countywide "war on the illegal use
and abuse of alcohol and other drugs
- Implement this plan of action which clearly defines
attainable goals countywide, in each region of the
County and in each community in each region in the
County.
Develop a plan which addresses the special needs of
low-income, unemployed and minority persons, single
parents, working parents and parents for whom English
is' a second language.
Develop a plan which addresses the need for job
development, housing and child care for many groups in
the community.
- Assess regional and community needs, better coordinate
information about existing services, and develop
funding strategies to fill the gaps in service in each
community, including forming effective public-private
partnerships .
Advocate that messages regarding the illegal use and
abuse of alcohol and other drugs must be consistently
applied to community activities . In summary, these
messages are:
1. No use of alcohol or other drugs by those under
the age of 21 .
2 . No use of illegal drugs by adults .
3. No illegal use or abuse of alcohol by adults .
IV. REVENUE 'REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
This section outlines several sources of revenue which may
have to be explored in order to realistically finance the
program outlined in 'this Community Action Plan:
We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that any
significant part of the added services called for in the
following Community Action Plan can be implemented with the
currently available resources . There is no substitute for
citizen involvement. and volunteer activities in addressing
the war on drugs. I Much can and must be done within existing
resources, but more will be needed. Following are some
alternatives that should be considered by the community,
separately or in combination, as mechanisms which will be
needed to fully implement ' anything akin to the scope of
services which are called for in this Community Action Plan.
coordination of existing funding sources through
partnerships (public-public and public-private) to
increase efficiency and effectiveness of efforts;
private sector contributions from business, service
clubs and private foundations;
additional funds from new proposed federal and state
anti-drug programs;
new funds from the proposed- "Nickel a Drink" alcohol
tax initiative;
sale of confiscated property and assets from drug
dealers acquired through illicit drug activities;
institute user accountability through the confiscation
and sale of cars used to- buy drugs or imposition of
very stiff penalties for users (if legal authority can
be obtained) ;
- mobilization of citizen involvement through tax credits
for individuals and businesses volunteering for
specified drug-free communities activities : this is an
essential component of any proposal for an anti-drug
benefit assessment district that may be considered in
the future.
It is important to recognize that there simply are not
enough funds available locally to implement this
Community Action Plan. It may become necessary to
reorder priorities and raise more funds locally in
order to make the Community Action Plan a reality.
It is far better to have the involvement and sweat equity of
citizens as volunteers in our local war on drugs than to have
only their money. Therefore, although it is clear that we must
bring new energy and generate additional resources to wage a
successful war against drugs, it is critical to provide
innovative incentives, such as tax credits, to mobilize the
community. .
V. SUMMARY OVERVIEW
A. PREVENTION/EDUCATION
Each region in the County needs to organize for action
and mobilize its resources . Every segment of the
community needs to be involved in this campaign against
the abuse of alcohol and other drugs .
Every city and unincorporated community should adopt
comprehensive policies to prevent and reduce alcohol
and drug problems and should establish a "local
organization against the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs" .
At both the regional and community level, such an
organization needs to involve a broad cross-section of
the community: parents, young adults and students,
neighborhood groups, schools, media, employers, labor
organizations, religious organizations, service clubs,
service providers, law enforcement and public
officials .
Each school district should appoint a "drug-free
schools task force" with broad community participation
that is coordinated with the local organization against
the abuse of alcohol and other drugs . These citizen
groups should be the forum for planning and
implementing local drug-free activities and programs .
Parents need to enter into an open dialogue with their
children about drugs and hopefully enter into a written
agreement with their children for a "drug-free family. "
Our youth must be diverted from careers of drug dealing
and lives of drug abuse by offering them significant
opportunities to learn marketable skills . This will
require job training programs which will teach skills
that are especially needed in the community and may ,
require job development efforts in some areas .
Young people who . are hurt, depressed, abused and
neglected are more vulnerable to the short-term relief
of self-medication with alcohol and other drugs . Our
families need to become more caring and supportive and
must be free from violence and sexual abuse.
All sectors of the community must become involved in
creating a sense of community spirit, in building
self-esteem and. in providing positive alternatives to
using alcohol and drugs . Each sector of the community
must do what it can to contribute to the overall
effort . Individual citizens " must take responsibility
for themselves, their families, their neighborhoods and
the community groups to which they belong.
Our schools and communities must collaborate on a major
program Of youth and family-oriented activities . In
particular, school-based prevention and early
intervention programs need to be expanded.
B. TREATMENT/INTERVENTION
A community that is in the throes of an addiction
epidemic cannot become healthy without sufficient
treatment resources . Programs that are developed for
law 'enforcement, for prevention and education and
health-related issues will continue to fall short in
their efforts if drug treatment resources are not
included as well. While there is a need throughout
Contra Costa County for additional treatment services
this need is particularly evident in West County.
Promoting a drug-free community is an on-going task. A
major aspect of that task is to ensure that our
communities have in place resources that are both
accessible and affordable to the entire community.
Accessibility is best addressed by making the community
aware of the available resources and by bringing
services to where the clients really are. Affordable
services have to be made available to all. If care can
be denied due to a lack of financial resources then the
notion of a caring community is without meaning.
A comprehensive approach to treatment and intervention
services must be composed of several essential and
interrelated pieces :
Innovative programs are needed to get people into
treatment. Among these are a central information
and referral system so everyone in the community
can receive correct, honest information about
drugs and what treatment resources are available.
As a part of this element, it is essential to help
families detect alcohol and drug abuse symptoms
and behaviors and to develop appropriate and
effective intervention techniques .
A variety of specialized treatment services are
needed, including children' s treatment,
"street-based". programs, culturally sensitive
programs, workplace programs, programs which can
accommodate voluntary placements, and programs
which can accommodate coercive placements,
non-traditional programs, and programs for
families, pregnant women and their drug-addicted
babies .
The programs need to emphasize returning to the
community after drug abuse treatment .
A variety of supportive services for the families
and children of substance abusers are needed.
C. LAW ENFORCEMENT/INTERDICTION
Historically, society has looked to law enforcement to
maintain crime prevention and law enforcement services
but the social tragedy of alcohol and drug abuse is
overwhelming law enforcement capabilities.
Law enforcement and the criminal justice system is our
.first line of defense for public safety in enforcing
the laws regarding the use and abuse of illegal drugs .
There has been much success with the existing three
regional narcotics enforcement teams . These efforts
need to be continued and supported.
However, these efforts are but one division in this
war. It is essential that all institutions and service
providers cooperate and coordinate their prevention and
service missions. Every individual ' s input, support
and active involvement with law enforcement, education,
intervention and treatment services will make us an
effective army.
Law enforcement agencies should expand their
participation in education and prevention services,
including their contacts with schools, youth groups and
parents . Implementation of a "neighborhood watch"
model in communities can be established and encouraged
by law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement interdiction efforts need to be seen as
an integral element of the overall anti-drug campaign.
This should take the form of formally communicating to
elected officials that law enforcement and treatment
are part of the same continuum of services which the
community must make available. To fund one component
at the expense of the other diminishes the
effectiveness of both.
Law enforcement agencies and the community need to
forge closer ties that are mutually trusting and
mutually supportive. New partnerships need to be
forged with a number of neighborhood, community, school
and youth groups .
Law enforcement agencies need to continue to publicly
advocate for and support education, , prevention,
intervention, treatment and aftercare services .
In return, law enforcement agencies and their governing
bodies need to hear clear, unequivocal support from the
community for a "zero tolerance" philosophy in
enforcing the laws .
VI. IMPLEMENTATION IDEAS FOR PREVENTION/EDUCATION
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
The overall action plan in each community must be founded on the
establishment of a community-based organization against the abuse
of alcohol and other drugs . This organization must involve every
key sector of the community, including parents, young adults and
students, neighborhood groups, schools, media, employers, labor,
religious organizations, service clubs, community-based providers
and local government. where community organizations against
substance abuse already exist, sectors or interest groups. not yet
participating must be included in the effort. It is most
appropriate to build upon what already has been done and
strengthen it.
To prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs requires that we
do more than affirm prohibitions or educate about dangers . All
sectors of the community must become involved in creating a sense
of community spirit, in building self-esteem, in providing
positive alternatives and in eliminating the sense of
helplessness and hopelessness which leads people to seek relief
or happiness in drugs and alcohol. Opportunities for
self-development, education, meaningful work, safe recreation and
freedom from violence and crime are an essential part of creating
a community in which the war on the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs can truly be won.
In some communities, the existing organization will be primarily
school-oriented and in others it will be primarily local
government-oriented. Both are good, workable models depending on
the historical development of publicparticipation and the local
preference.
In addition to participation in a community organization against
the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, each of the sectors listed
below should undertake the following activities to implement the
Community Action Plan and prevent the abuse of alcohol and other
drugs .
PARENTS
Set an example for behavior regarding drugs. and alcohol
and serve as a positive role model for children.
Set a standard of not tolerating alcohol and drug use
,by their children.
Invest. in positive time with their children,
communicating with them, engaging in recreational--
activities,
ecreational-activities, etc.
Be informed and take advantage of available education
on the effects of abusing alcohol and other drugs .
Take advantage of parenting, communication skills, and
fostering self-esteem classes .
Discuss substance abuse with children and provide
needed support and guidance to children to remain
drug-free.
Enter into a written agreement with children for a
"drug-free family. "
Volunteer for activities which provide opportunities to
interact with the schools, such as the Parent Educator
Program (PEP) .
Attend and participate in programs such as the
Parenting Education Program (3 sessions, 9 hours) which
is a companion component to PEP . (Research shows
communications and management of limits/expectations
are both very important for effective parenting. )
- Join parent clubs/PTA's to support drug-free school
activities including encouraging school boards and
local government to adopt aggressive ' policies to
prevent the abuse of alcohol and other drugs .
Seek assistance if needed to insure healthy family
functioning.
CHILDREN, STUDENTS, YOUNG ADULTS
Take responsibility for your own healthy behavior and
provide a role model for your peers .
Be informed and take advantage of available educational
programs through the school and the community.
Examples of. "school programs are PEP, DARE, Friday Night
Live, Youth Educator, QUEST, Here' s Looking at You
2000, REACH, and Gateway. Examples of community
programs are provided by the YWCA, YMCA, Boy Scouts and
Girl Scouts, Girls and Boys Clubs, community centers,
neighborhood organizations, churches, sports
activities, the Youth Services Bureau, Center for Human
Development, Neighborhood House of North Richmond and
the Drug and Alcohol Council of Contra Costa County.
- Share information from these programs and do the
homework from these programs with family and friends .
Express your support for a drug-free community by
standing up for your convictions .
Enter into a signed agreement with family members for a
"drug-free family. "
Participate in "drug-free school" activities, some
examples of which include volunteering for , peer
education programs, Youth Educator Programs, Student
Activity Team (SAT) , Just Say No Clubs, etc. Support
and organize Red Ribbon Week (October) and Just Say No
Week (May) activities .
- Volunteer for alcohol and drug-free community
activities . (These might include Friday Night Live,
Youth Educator, REACH, etc. )
Seek assistance if needed to insure healthy family
functioning. Help is available by calling
/087
GRANDPARENTS/SENIORS
Serve as role models for their grandchildren.
- Participate in the written agreement for a "drug-free
family" by accepting responsibility as a grandparent to
support grandchildren in being drug-free.
Volunteer for substance abuse prevention programs such
as PEP .
Encourage local governments to adopt aggressive
policies on the prevention of the abuse of alcohol and
other drugs .
Encourage intergenerational programs and support for
young people.
Volunteer in church .groups, service clubs and other
community organizations to participate in substance
abuse prevention activities .
- Encourage and nurture a "Foster Grandparent" network,
to include providing meeting space, facilitation of
self-help groups, etc.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
Each community in the County should organize
itself to coordinate on a whole range of drug-related
problems that feed into and exacerbate the drug problem
in the County.
Each community needs to establish a collaborative
educational process for politicians, school
administrators, business leaders, churches, judges,
community leaders, etc. to come together to both learn
and share different attitudes and perspectives about
the drug problem in our community.
A public relations campaign around the. message "You Can
Help" would be valuable in creating a climate which is
conducive to widespread community involvement.
Some communities may wish to consider the value of a
three-day conference which explores the elements to a
collaborative network of cooperating organizations, and
which develops a local response mechanism to address
the problem of the abuse of alcohol and other drugs .
Different regions of the County may wish to consider a
series of forums and discussion groups which allow
those most directly affected by the alcohol and drug
problem to get together offering support; encouragement
and ideas for solution. These meetings should be held
in local communities which have a common set of
interests and problems .
NEIGHBORHOOD AND HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS
- Adopt strong policies to prevent the abuse of alcohol
and other drugs (including amending CC&R' s (Covenants,
Conditions and Restrictions) to prohibit "kegger
parties" where minors are present) .
Organize community groups such as a Neighborhood Drug
Watch Program or Parents on Patrol Program including
posting signs that declare a "drug-free neighborhood"
and assert that residents will control the neighborhood
or will "take back their neighborhood. "
Assist law enforcement by reporting incidences of drug
and alcohol abuse in the neighborhood.
Coordinate substance abuse activities (in conjunction
with community-based organizations against substance
abuse, drug-free schools task force, Red Ribbon Week,
Just Say No Week, etc. ) and provide information through
homeowners association newsletters . Recruit volunteers
for activities such as Neighborhood Drug Watch, Parents
on Patrol or PEP .
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Each school district board of trustees should:
}
* adopt and implement a comprehensive drug and
alcohol abuse program for all public schools from
pre-school through high -school with. an evaluation
component. In this context, a comprehensive
program requires prevention, intervention,
aftercare and discipline programs .
* seek to encourage the development of expanded
partnerships with other public, private, and
non-profit agencies providing services to
youngsters and their families with or at. risk for
. . substance abuse difficulties . Each high ' school
should establish a partnership with a local
substance abuse program.
* consider establishing a student assistance program
to assist at-risk students, if one is not. already
available.
* establish an outreach program directed at school
dropouts .
* consider the need to establish a full-time staff
position for substance abuse program planning at
the district level, sharing this resource between
districts where appropriate.
approve an action plan/strategic plan to achieve a
"drug-free school district. "
* establish (or continue and strengthen) a
"drug-.free schools task force. " The task force
must represent the agencies, disciplines,
authorities and community groups needed to design
and implement the strategic plan (curriculum,
activities, etc. ) . There must be coordination
between a "drug-free schools task force" and the,
community-based organizations against the abuse of
alcohol and other drugs . The school district must
designate a coordinator for the task force to
ensure adequate staff support.
- The drug-free task force -should encourage the formation
of groups such as Parent Action Teams (PAT) and Student
Action Teams (SAT) to determine the best components of
the strategic plan. The PAT' s, SAT ' s and drug-free
school task forces . should draw upon the resources
provided by publicly funded organizations such as the
.Far West Labs to assist in developing an action plan.
- Every grade-level should participate in curriculum,
co-curriculum and other activities to prevent the abuse
of alcohol and other drugs . School districts should
distribute "drug-free families" agreements in
conjunction with these programs . All schools should
implement programs that meet criteria , adopted by the
Drug-Free Schools Task Force.
- Each school district should build upon and expand the
peer-counseling programs within the public schools .
Each school district should provide comprehensive
counseling and intervention for "at risk" youth and
their families.
Each school district should increase and improve the
training of school staffs in substance abuse
prevention, continuing to use models that are
effective, and introducing others that have worked in
other regions, such as the STAR TRAK and CO-AIR
programs operated by the Richmond Unified School
District which seek to intervene with youth whose
parents have had substance abuse problems .
Each school district should encourage a coordinated
approach with all of the community agencies so that
Prevention, Intervention and Treatment programs can be
more unified. Perhaps agency offices on school
campuses would be a viable way to do this .
Each school district which operates junior high or
senior high schools should implement a comprehensive
program of peer and/or cross-age education in the
junior and senior high schools. For example, junior
high school students could plan and present skits for
drug abuse education at elementary schools . Senior
high school students could be involved in the
development of drug and alcohol abuse prevention video
tapes that could be aired over local cable television
public access channels .
,Legislation should be explored which would provide tax
incentives and scholarships to pay for higher education
for non-drug users .
Other options for school districts include but are not
limited to the need for:
* Active participation from school district
governing boards .
* One-to-one peer counseling in Junior/Senior High
schools for students with needs .
* Increased counseling services, especially for
Elementary and Junior High School level young
people.
* Establishment of drug free zones at every school.
* Applications for appropriate services for babies
born addicted and for pregnant minors .
The County Superintendent of Schools should be
requested to coordinate the efforts of the Local
Coordinating Committee established pursuant to AB 1087
(Chapter 92, Statutes of 1988) with the efforts' to '
implement this Community Action Plan.
WORKPLACE: EMPLOYERS AND LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
Unemployment among our youth remains a major concern. We must
develop better ways to reach those children who may be at high
risk of both using and selling drugs . We must address the needs
of our young people both within and outside our schools and
provide some type of vocational, skills training so that these
young people (who may find themselves selling drugs primarily for
the economic incentive) can earn money and self respect by
contributing to the community through legal and safe work.
Employers and workers at each workplace should
negotiate and adopt a written contract for a "drug-free
workplace. " Ensure . that each workplace implements an
active Employee Assistance Program. Develop and/or
create mechanisms for small businesses to enter
employee assistance programs .
Provide substance abuse prevention education in the
workplace, including training parents to identify
substance abuse problems with their families .
Distribute contract for "drug-free families. "
Provide training and employment opportunities for
adolescents, young adults and recovering individuals as
a prevention strategy.
Provide family oriented drug-free activities for union
members .
Encourage more businesses to provide the leadership in
community prevention efforts .
Recruit representatives, participants and volunteers
for community-based organizations against substance
abuse, drug-free schools task force and PEP .
Encourage private-public partnerships to fund community
projects, such as Drug Free Schools Runs and
participation in "Red Ribbon Week" activities .
Provide matching grants to substance abuse prevention
activities . Financially support service clubs and
other community service clubs and other community
groups (such as ,LBRT Challenge- Lenders/Builders/
Realtors/Title Companies) to raise funds for substance
abuse prevention programs .
Labor organizations should encourage their members to
request a substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation
program at their workplace. Workers should request
active participation in the design and implementation
of the workplace program.
Motel/hotel owners should not rent to juveniles on
recognized "party or celebration" nights such as the
junior or senior prom or graduation night.
Restaurants, bars and other businesses which serve
alcoholic beverages should all establish "server
education" programs and participate in promoting the
"designated driver campaign (such as providing free or
half-priced non-alcoholic beverages to the designated
driver of a group) .
- Local schools and the community college district, in
conjunction with employers in the County,* should
develop expanded job training programs . In particular,
these programs should:
* Target the building trades, including- specialized
skills in carpentry, electrical, plumbing and
mechanical trades . The goal should be to create
career paths in the construction trades leading to
positions as skilled craftsmen, supervisors,
contractors and building inspectors .
* Focus on renovating and improving homes in
low-income areas of the County, thereby playing a
valuable role in community improvement.
* Train and prepare aspiring day-care providers and
child-care workers, especially pregnant teens,
single mothers, and seniors . This program will
not only provide participants with needed skills,
but will prepare them to fill an important service
gap.
* Establish a' '. literacy program with a special
emphasis on "business" English.
* Implement a training program in computer literacy.
The rationale 'for this approach is that the young
people who would participate in this program would
acquire skills that are very desirable to
employers .
* Expand to other appropriate areas of the County
the pilot vocational education project operated in
North Richmond by the County Career Development
Employment Program.
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS
All religious organizations (such as the Council of
Churches, Catholic Diocese, Board of Rabbis,
Ministerial Alliance, etc. ) should establish education
and training programs for religious leaders - regarding
effective roles for leaders of congregations,
particularly assisting their members break through
denial. Provide a positive role model for their
members and the greater community.
Encourage their organizations to become more
knowledgeable about substance abuse resources and
referral possibilities .
Religious leaders should plan and implement a schedule
of activities for their congregation including topics
for sermons and volunteering as a group for drug-free
activities planned by the community or school district.
Special attention should be given to involving
religious youth groups in drug-free activities .
Individual religious organizations should train leaders
to work with the congregation to identify and address
substance abuse problems and to establish congregation
support groups for substance abusers and their
families . If approved by the congregation, the trained
leaders may also be a resource for school referrals .
Recruit individual members as volunteers for substance
abuse prevention programs . Distribute agreements for
"drug free families . "
Develop drop-in counseling for teens and parents.
- Provide facilities for drug-free activities planned by
the community or school district.
- Provide representation and participation in the
community-based organization against 'substance abuse
and the drug-free schools task force.
- Provide after-school and weekend activities for youth
in their communities .
Individual church congregations should be recruited to
provide support, endorsement, planning, management,
and/or participation in an individual project or phase
of a project. Some examples might include developing a
network of outreach treatment sites or providing
meeting space for community support groups such as AA,
NA, Ala-Non, Ala-Teen and others .
Various ministerial alliances should be advised
regarding projects and ideas under consideration and
their assistance sought in gaining access to their
particular segments of the community.
SERVICE CLUBS
Service clubs ' officers should plan and implement a
schedule of activities for their members to participate
in, including educational programs at club meetings and
volunteering as a group for drug-free activities
planned by the community or school district.
- Sponsor drug free activities for youth (e.g. Panther
Striders, Drug free Schools ' runs, "Red Ribbon Week"
activities) .
Recruit individual members as volunteers for substance
abuse prevention programs . Distribute agreements for
"drug-free families . "
Participate in increased community awareness and
education of parents and children.
- Provide civic and business representation and
participation in the community-based organization
against substance abuse and the drug-free schools task
force.
- Provide publicity about education/work opportunities
for those recovering or at risk.
Actively promote and implement drug-abuse prevention
programs adopted by the service club' s regional, state
or national organization (such as QUEST, sponsored by
the Lions, and the Rotary Foundation for Alcohol and
Drug Abuse, Prevention and Rehabilitation sponsored by
the Rotarians) . Raise funds to support the designated
substance abuse prevention program or donate . to
community-based programs (such as Friday Night Live and
AAUW"s Drug-Free Kids Video Project) or providers (such
as CHD, Pros for Kids, New Connections, Bi-Bett, etc. ) .
Provide funding for tee shirts and other awards to
DARE, QUEST, Youth Educator and PEP participants .
Obtain more information about 12 step programs and set
up referral systems to these programs for members and
their families in trouble.
- Initiate fund-raising activities to support substance
abuse programs and activities . This might, for
instance, be implemented through an "adopt a school"
program where funds that were raised could be
contributed for program development at a particular
school.
NON-PROFIT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND PROVIDERS
.. All non-profit community-based organizations and
providers funded by public sector should cooperate in a
coordinated plan to augment the prevention and
education activities of the community-based
organization against substance abuse or the drug-free
schools task force. Each organization should complete
a written pledge of specific participation in the
community substance abuse prevention activities and
should become a part of the contract for public
funding.
These community-based organizations should:
* Provide educational services to parents that will
empower them to nurture healthy, drug and alcohol
free youth.
* Provide training in enhancing parenting and
communication skills as well as in substance abuse
issues, including how to recognize symptoms of
substance abuse.
* Help parents to become positive role models in a
sober way of life.
* Establish innovative methods to train and provide
accurate information about the impacts of drug and
alcohol abuse as well as innovative ways to spread
that information.
* Work closely with churches, religious
organizations and volunteer health, educational
and social organizations to provide information
and training and encourage their participation in
fighting drug and alcohol abuse.
* Help the community understand the financial and
human cost of drug and alcohol abuse.
* Set up a network of service providers to share
ideas and coordinate efforts in reaching the
community. This network would also provide
speakers to various community organizations .
* Educate families in the dynamics of co-dependency
and the enabling of high-risk behavior.
Expand substance abuse prevention programs in a
cost-effective manner by maximizing volunteers when new
resources become available.
Participate in community-based organizations against
substance abuse and drug-free schools. task force.
Certain organizations with broad private sector
support, such as Just Say No Foundation, should be
encouraged to expand the framework for fund-raising for
other community-based providers. An effort to project
a coordinated message should be developed.
MEDIA
All print and electronic media should participate in a
Media Action Committee for the countywide substance
abuse prevention program. Each . media organization
should provide news coverage of the drug-free Contra
Costa campaign and activities .
Provide (through the Media Action Committee)
professional direction for the development of the
message and educational materials needed for the
drug-free Contra Costa campaign. Explore securing
permission to use the "Partnership for Drug-Free
America" PSA' s for Contra Costa County.
Identify a regular, consistent format forreporting
information and progress to the community about the
drug-free campaign. This might involve a weekly report
in the newspapers and on electronic media. Provide
space and PSA time for promoting the campaign.
Encourage local newspapers and community access
programs on cable television to work in concert with
the community to help reduce the incidence of images
and messages it projects which appear to glorify or
endorse drug and alcohol use.
Advocate that the local media provide facts and current
information about the health, economic and social
impacts of drug and alcohol abuse.
Explore the feasibility of cable companies providing a
regularly scheduled program (locally produced) about
substance abuse as a . part of community access
programming. Select a subcommittee to locally produce
the program.
Consider additional ways to highlight the alcohol and
drug abuse problems and give profile to drug-free
activities, including promoting "drug-free family
contracts" (printing in the newspaper and announcing on
electronic media) and publishing the names of
individuals who volunteer for substance abuse
prevention programs .
Promote Red Ribbon Week, Just Say No Week and/or other
countywide drug-free activities that occur at the same
time throughout the county in. every community.
CITIES AND COUNTY
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors should
establish a countywide organization and framework to
oversee and assure the implementation of the Community
Action Plan. This organization should include
representation from each community-based organization
against substance abuse, each drug-free schools task
force and the Media Action Committee. This organization
must be coordinated with the work of the Alcoholism
Advisory Board and Drug Abuse Advisory Board.
The Board of Supervisors should insure that the efforts
to implement this Community Action Plan are closely
coordinated with the planning being undertaken by the
Local Coordinating Committee chaired by the County
Superintendent of Schools and established pursuant to
AB 1087 (Chapter 92, Statutes of 1988) .
Each city council and the Board of Supervisors should
adopt a comprehensive policy on substance abuse
prevention, treatment and law enforcement. Local
governments should highlight the importance of
addressing alcohol and drug abuse problems through a
highly visible and integrated administrative structure.
Each city and the County should conduct a community
campaign for substance abuse awareness.
Each city and the County should develop a long range
plan to deal with alcohol and drug abuse issues .
Each city should establish or support an existing
community-based organization against substance abuse.
The city council should identify those activities in
the Community Action Plan for which it will assume
implementation responsibility.
Each city and the county should examine the
appropriateness of land use policies in the prevention
of substance abuse. Each jurisdiction must promote a
"drug-free environment" in their community. This should
include the establishment of "drug-free schools"
ordinances in conjunction with local school districts .
- Each city council and the Board of Supervisors should
ensure that Planning Commissions are aware of community
concern about locating establishments that sell
alcoholic beverages near schools and parks .
- Each city and unincorporated community should establish
a Community Drug Education Program similar to that
being operated by the City of Richmond. This program
_ provides oversight to the Richmond Anti-Drug Task
Force. This model can provide staff to an effort
within each city to marshal volunteers who then
mobilize the community for a comprehensive anti-drug
effort around the issues of their . own choosing. The
community awareness and education potential of these
localized efforts can be enormous .
Fund police and Sheriff participation in prevention and
education programs . such as DARE and officer Friendly
so they can be implemented in every school in Contra
Costa. Cities and the County should provide all law
enforcement agencies necessary funds to participate in
programs that address the needs of at-risk youth, such
as the Police Activities League (P.A.L. ) .
- Copies of reports from law enforcement agencies should
routinely be made available to all members of the
community who request them. Efforts should also be
made to publicize the progress which has been made by
the law enforcement agency.
Youth in many areas of the County need organizations
and activities in their neighborhoods that contribute
to a much-lacking sense of civic pride and belonging.
* There must' be monies to develop and create
relevant afterschool recreational programs to meet
the needs of all children in our County. We must
acknowledge the special needs of high-risk youth
and offer appropriate services . Culturally
relevant activities must also be considered.
* Programs such, as Police Activities League (PAL)
programs should receive funds for expansion.
* Local communities should provide additional
recreational activities and leisure time
alternatives for children and youth. Recreation
centers in each community should become the focal
point for youth activities . Additional staff need
to be hired to develop significant youth programs
at these centers .
Continue participation in coordinated narcotics law
enforcement teams throughout Contra Costa. use
confiscated property from illegal drug activities to
fund additional law enforcement . (Please see section on
Law Enforcement) . This should include the enforcement
of new existing law to revoke the drivers licenses of
minors who are involved with drug offenses .
Develop a comprehensive plan for employment
opportunities for both youth and adults.
- Coordinate letter writing campaigns to state and
federal officials in favor of changes in priorities
regarding funding distribution to local government and
stronger legislation.
Work with chambers of commerce, businesses and industry '
and the school districts to provide job fairs,
vocational training and educational opportunities for
low-income families to improve their marketable skills .
- Develop Enterprise Zones which will encourage
employment in underemployed areas .
- Support legislation which will provide significant
disincentives for adult users (casual and other) , such
as giving local jurisdictions the ability to revoke the
drivers license or confiscate and resell the car used
by convicted offenders to buy drugs .
- The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in
cooperation with the cities, should establish a
significant tax incentive program for individual
citizens who choose to participate in and volunteer for
the activities of the drug-free Contra Costa campaign.
The activities for which a taxpayer could receive a tax
credit would have to be clearly designated in the
Community Action Plan and approved _ by the Board of
Supervisors . However, examples of appropriate
volunteer activities to become eligible for a tax
credit would be:
* Submission of a completed "drug-free family
agreement" should provide a certain minimum tax
credit for residential property owners (including
owners of rental property who implement "drug-free
contracts or programs" for their tenants) .
* Volunteering', for and successfully completing
serving in substance abuse prevention programs
* For business and organizationsAservice clubs with
property, etc. ) who pay property taxes, the
submission of an adopted program of activities
with legal certification by an appropriate officer
that it was implemented (including adoption of a
"drug-free workplace" policy/contract and
implementation of an Employee Assistance Program) .
* Serving on a community-based organization against
substance abuse or a drug-free schools task force.
* Participation in Parents on Patrol in
neighborhoods .
* Developing and/or sponsoring another approved drug
and alcohol prevention program, such as a
neighborhood "Alano." club.
VII. IMPLEMENTATION IDEAS FOR TREATMENT/INTERVENTION
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
Comprehensive health care delivery systems are a continuum of
services from primary prevention to, secondary prevention/
intervention, and to tertiary prevention/treatment. Comprehensive
alcohol and drug abuse delivery systems are also a continuum of
care - from primary prevention to tertiary prevention. Due to
the comprehensive and integrated nature of alcohol and drug abuse
services, tertiary prevention, for instance, most always includes
important elements of primary and secondary prevention.
Professionals in the field of alcohol and drug abuse now
recognize that intervention and treatment are, in fact, important
types of prevention. The following Community Action Plan focuses
on intervention and treatment services but does so in the context
that "prevention" cuts. across all levels of the alcohol and drug
abuse field. The Community Action Plan also indicates that the
provision of treatment services requires special training and
expertise which needs to be recognized in the same manner as
other health care skills .
If the community is serious about dealing with the drug problem,
there must be available, adequate, local, affordable treatment
facilities to help people plagued by drug abuse.
With the rapid growth in the availability and popularity of
designer drugs, communities urgently need "designer programs"
which are equally available and equally popular. This Community
Action Plan format is developed along the lines of the
environment in which the intervention/treatment services are to
be provided. The epidemic nature of drug abuse requires that
services be provided 'in a number of environments. The following
environmental areas look at what works, what we have, and what we
need. No longer can we afford to view intervention and treatment
services as the exclusive domain of the health care field. The
health care field will remain an important leader, but clearly
any war on drugs requires multiple efforts and multiple
strategies . Following are a variety of actions which need to be
taken, broken down by various disciplines and interest groups, as
follows:
HEALTH SERVICES
SOCIAL SERVICES
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
WORKPLACE
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING
FAMILIES/NEIGHBORHOODS
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
INDIVIDUALS
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
HEALTH SERVICES
Treatment staff should be encouraged to work with any family
member or personal friend of a drug or alcohol abuser to
initiate care. It is no longer correct to assume that
treatment requires that the substance abuser take the first
step. In fact, significant progress can be made by working
with other affected persons to get the potential client into
treatment.
Presently, outpatient recovery services are provided in
contract and in county operated sites throughout the County.
More resources need to be directed towards expanding these
outpatient recovery programs .
Re-entry group homes are an important part of the continuum
of services which make recovery possible for many county
residents . Presently, there is a serious shortage in the
number of group homes and follow-up support services
available for the chemically dependent person who is
re-entering the work force.
There is presently one residential treatment program for
chemically dependent women and their children in Contra
Costa County. There is a critical need to develop at least
one additional residential treatment program for chemically
dependent women and their children.
Provide for the development of one special detoxification
center for women who have alcohol and other drug dependent
problems . This would allow a large number of women who
currently do not avail themselves of the services because of
the co-educational issue, to come forth and receive
services . In this regard, there is also a need for adequate
child care for women who wish to go into recovery.
Individuals and organizations in the community should lobby
the appropriate legislators and other decision makers to
remove barriers to care, including financial barriers .
- Funds must be appropriated . for both prevention and
treatment, because one withoutthe other is meaningless . A
fair share of the funding allocated to drug abuse services
must be dedicated to prevention and treatment.
- In order to meet the needs of the local community, federal
anti-drug funds should be controlled locally in terms of how
much goes to prevention,. how. much to treatment and how much
goes to law enforcement.
- Help families detect substance abuse symptoms and behaviors
and develop appropriate and effective intervention
techniques .
4
Provide intensive outpatient treatment services for pregnant
and postpartum alcohol and other drug dependent women and
their families .
Provide for appropriate care for "crack babies" and addicted
pregnant minors, including follow-up services .
Provide assessment, monitoring and developmental
intervention for substance exposed infants and families.
Establish routine collection of data to monitor the extent
and nature of substance abuse during pregnancy.
Develop and expand our ability to provide intervention and
treatment services to the chemically dependent client who is
positive for the H. I .V. virus . Presently, considerable
outreach efforts are being undertaken by public health;
however, much more needs to be accomplished in the instances
where intervention and treatment are indicated.
Program enhancement needs to be accomplished in the area of
methadone treatment services . Methadone clients who are
medically fragile due to a particular condition, such as
pregnancy, need a higher level of program support..
Develop an intensive outpatient counseling program which
will provide acupuncture and supportive short-term
detoxification medication for people who are addicted to
crack cocaine and other stimulants .
Develop a 30-90 day short-term residential: program primarily
for clients who are crack addicted. This program should
have a strong medical component to effectively serve
medically fragile clients, i.e. , pregnant alcohol/drug
dependent, HIV positive, multiple diagnosed clients .
Plan, develop and implement improved capabilities to work
with the California Conservation Corps. A great deal more
needs to be accomplished in serving this group and it
appears that their efforts could be of considerable
assistance to neighborhoods . If the County pursues its
County Conservation Corps ideas, an important part of the
program goals might be urban conservation to include various
anti-drug efforts.
Provide treatment of significant others of the alcoholic and
the addict .
Provide more social model recovery programs (e.g. group
homes, Alano Club models) .
Create a more "consumer friendly" drug and alcohol service
system. This entails planning and development of an
improved information and referral system.
- Plan, develop and implement an in-home support program for
foster parents and extended families who have taken
responsibility for caring for the children of alcoholics and
addicts .
Additional treatment services are needed for children
throughout the County. Caution should be taken to avoid
negatively stigmatizing these children. Emphasis * should
instead be placed on approaches designed to offer positive
reinforcement.
Support programs which demonstrate the value of our children
will also help in treatment . This is especially true with
younger children. Treatment should emphasize self esteem,
and models should be sought which carry this message to.
at-risk elementary and junior high school youth.
- Continue to develop programs and clinical skills which are
culturally relevant . Drug abuse disproportionately affects
members of ethnic minority communities . An effective
response to the drug epidemic necessarily requires an
approach which is multi-cultural and tailored to the needs
of various communities .
Treatment professionals who are on the leading edge of
today's drug epidemic urge the community to develop more
street-based solutions .
* Contra Costa County needs a network of services which
emphasize "taking services to clients" . This concept
departs from the standard of setting appointments,
which the addict misses, or requiring that "the addict
take the first step" .
* An example might be establishing a network of sites,
including churches, public agencies, and community
centers where counselors can see clients motivated to
seek help. Treatment can be dispatched with an
immediacy that is lost when appointments are scheduled
for "next week" .
* Paraprofessional intervention staff should be selected
from those who are "streetwise" and emphasis should be
in training, to respond to aggression, which may
increase in the non-traditional setting.
Changing societal attitudes and behaviors requires a great
deal of educating the public (and providers) as to the real
nature of this epidemic. The process of knowledge transfer
is key to improving community resistance skills which is an
integral part of the intervention and treatment process .
Considerable resources need to be directed. towards. educating
all segments of society and then educating again and again.
Augment staffing at county operated and contracted
residential drug and alcohol programs . Currently, county
operated drug program have such thin staffing patterns that
they have no weekend coverage or night coverage. This
staffing is critical to insure the proper operation and
management of a 24 hour a day program.
Keep abreast of research that is effective and evolving to
determine what is, in fact, working.
Augment clerical , support in county and contract operated
drug and alcohol programs. With a few minor exceptions, the
county operated drug programs have only one clerk who works
in administration. This lack of clerical support seriously
impedes both the quantity and quality of services provided
to county residents .
Develop improved levels of service for county residents who
are alcohol and other drug dependent and who are physically
or psychologically disabled. This may include chemically
dependent clients who are seeing and/or hearing impaired or
may apply to clients who have - serious psychiatric
disabilities in addition to their addiction.
Develop residential recovery beds for youth who have been
adjudicated wards of the court or who are voluntary
regardless of their economic status. Presently, there are
no in-county residential chemical dependency programs for
youth who are unable to afford private hospitalization and
develop a full continuum of services for both emancipated
and non-emancipated children.
Emphasize a serious need for HMO' s and third party insurance
coverage for alcohol and drug services .
Provide ongoing training and education to everyone involved
in providing alcohol and drug services regarding the latest
developments in the field.
Develop treatment services for children of alcohol and drug
addicts even if the addict is not in treatment.
Develop treatment services for families of alcohol and drug
addicts even if the addict is not in treatment.
Review, develop and implement permanent homes for children
of alcoholics and drug users who will not be returning home
after placement.
- Provide education and support for foster homes and adoptive
parents regarding alcohol and drug issues .
Increase information and referral services to all segments
of the community. Provide services. for individuals
interested in interventions with family, friends, employees
or employer.
Increase services to young people cited for possession of
alcohol or other drugs .
Increase the. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) services to
better serve the first time and repeat offenders .
Develop a continuum of services for the elderly who have
problems with alcohol and prescription drugs .
SOCIAL SERVICES
Expand the capability of Social Services Department staff to
conduct in-house assessments and . interventions for
chemically dependent clients . Referral to Health Services
Department staff will be made when clinically appropriate.
The dramatic rise in drug related Children' s Protective
Services (C.P .S. ) referrals requires new resources as well
as new solutions for some very new and challenging problems .
The "societal symptoms" of drug abuse are not only
burgeoning C.P .S. caseload levels but are also increasing
the levels of homelessness and General Assistance.
Develop and implement special foster care programs for drug
exposed infants and for children from homes where the
parents are dependent on alcohol and other drugs
dependencies . The demand for these services will require at
least four additional six bed facilities to serve this
special population. It is essential that these group homes
be located within the communities from which most of these
referrals originate.
SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
All elementary, middle and high schools should implement
intervention programs for youth who are at high risk for
drug abuse or who have alcohol and/or drug abuse problems .
- All school districts should have increased levels of
training for teachers and administrators to fully educate
them regarding .appropriate intervention strategies .
- Schools need to develop in-house peer counseling programs
and teams to work with and identify high risk youth. These
interventions should lead to a higher number of referrals to
counseling programs .
- Parents should advocate for school boards and school
administrators to provide consistent district-wide
intervention and treatment policies .
School districts should forge close partnerships with local
treatment programs:
* Each high school should have at least one substance
abuse counselor on campus from a nearby community-based
or County drug abuse program.
* Teachers and other school staff should receive
extensive training in identifying youth who are either
at risk for substance abuse or who are already involved
in substance abuse.
- School districts should increase job training and
educational training for youth who are no longer in school.
WORKPLACE
- County employers should be encouraged to comply with the
Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 .
Employers and organized labor should insure that adequate
levels of intervention and treatment are made available to .
the alcohol and drug dependent people who are employed.
Businesses should consider hiring persons in recovery, thus
providing these individuals an opportunity to reenter a
drug-free society.
- Private business and corporate foundations should support
increased funding for the provision of intervention and
treatment services .
Workplace programs should replicate the models developed and
demonstrated to be effective, . such as the Teamsters TARP
program, or the rehabilitation program of. the U.S. Postal
Service Letter Carriers Union.
* These model programs are predicated on the belief that
chemical dependence can be successfully treated, and
that the incentive of retaining. a good job is a
significant motivation to most employees .
* These models require total abstinence, beginning with
residential detoxification, and require adherence to
the 12-Step program with employees "required to attend
an Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting
every day for up to six months .
* The clear message from the employer is that the
standard is "drug and alcohol free but that for the
employee in treatment, job, family and quality of life
can be maintained.
Employers who are unable to cover their workers with health
insurance that pays for drug and alcohol treatment should
band together to create some form of health care response
which addresses this issue.
* Such consortia could be organized by Chambers of
Commerce or by other business or professional groups .
* Because the bottom-line profitability of businesses is
being dramatically affected by substance abuse, such a
plan would, in fact, be cost effective and would serve
as an employee benefit as well.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
- Treatment professionals recognize that there are levels of
drug treatment, ranging from treatment that is coercive--
i.e. , required by law enforcement, courts, or as a condition
of probation--to treatment that is voluntary. This
diversity of circumstances requires that treatment options
must be multi-tiered to accommodate differences in
motivation for treatment.
* There is a need for alternative, non-traditional and
innovative sentencing for offenders . A committee of
treatment professionals and court officials--judges,
prosecutors, defenders and probation officials--should
be formed to explore such alternatives .
Provide increased treatment services for prisoners of the
Marsh Creek Detention Facility and the new West County
Detention Facility. Expansion of the model DEUCE program
would provide important treatment services to alcohol and
other drug dependent prisoners who are currently receiving
only limited treatment services .
Need to establish work and recovery programs for those in
jail
Provide greater levels of outpatient assessment,
intervention and treatment services to the alcohol and other
drug dependent clients who are on probation. The Probation
Department is eager to expand assessment, intervention and
treatment services to many of its clientele. Often times, a
life crisis such as arrest and probation offers a very
unique and important window of opportunity for lasting
behavior change.
Develop pre-trial diversion services for new arrestees at
the County jail . Presently, virtually no health focused
intervention is provided for alcohol and drug dependent
arrestees .
Expand and develop diversion services for clients referred
from the judiciary. Considerable effort and resources need
to be directed towards retooling the diversion program which
was originally developed in approximately 1974 to address
possession of marijuana cases . In 1989, the target
population is much different and the program needs to be
substantially modified to include urinalysis testing, closer
screening, more vigorous education, etc.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
- Greater resources and commitment need to be directed towards
improving the quantity and quality of positive alternative
activities for youth. Programs which challenge youth
psychologically, physically and intellectually are all
effective strategies for lessening certain risk factors .
HOUSING
Additional resources need to be directed towards expanding
clean and sober living environments for recovering residents
of Contra Costa County. Development of appropriate housing
for this population will require more resources and greater
coordination between various service providers .
Continue to expand and develop the role of the Contra Costa
County Housing Authority in creating clean and sober living
environments . This type of housing intervention may not be
traditional or clinical in nature but it is a good example
of the sort of "designer programs" which we must develop.
FAMILIES/NEIGHBORHOODS
As is the case with other public health epidemics,
additional effort needs to be directed towards empowering
families and neighborhoods to intervene in the alcohol and
drug abuse cycle. Many times the healing and recovery
process begins with family members or significant others who
initiate and maintain an intervention process . This model
needs to be developed and piloted in several communities
where crack cocaine abuse is endemic.
VOLUNTEER SERVICES
Enhance the ability of volunteer organizations to provide
assistance in intervention or treatment services .
INDIVIDUALS
Individuals and key policy makers should advocate for broad
health plan coverage for all individuals who need treatment .
Every individual in all segments of the community can help
address this problem by attending Alcoholics Anonymous, Al
Anon, Narcotics Anonymous and other 12 step program types of
meetings, or by attending community alcohol/drug education
programs provided by many of the local programs .
Individuals in every community should mobilize their
communities to promote, involvement in such projects as the
alcohol tax initiative 'or other projects which support the
development of resources that can be used for establishing
treatment programs .
INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES
There needs to be a countywide centralized Information and
Referral (I&R) System. Residents need to be able to seek
reliable, accurate information from a single source, to
speed up individual and family responses and to learn about
options and resources which are available. In this regard,
the following needs to be done:
* Conduct a survey of existing I&R services and hotlines
to determine the extent to which they meet or fail to
meet the needs of the entire community.
* Develop a model of what the appropriate I&R service
would require in the way of funding, staffing and
location.
ADMINISTRATION
- The development and implementation of a high quality managed
health care system is an administratively complex and highly
technical undertaking. Fundamental service goals such as
access to appropriate care, linkages to other human service
systems, and maintenance of quality assurance standards can
only be achieved through the development of an uncluttered
and efficient administrative infrastructure. Failure to
develop a strong administrative component will result in a
system which will not be consumer friendly and a system
which may not provide the -best answers and the best services
possible.
Continuation of efforts to actively involve the community in
the ongoing planning process .
Identify and initiate a multi-year planning process which
will explore various ways in which drug and alcohol services
can be provided with higher efficiency and higher quality.
- The administrative structure of the overall alcohol and drug
effort will have to be done in a way which empowers the
administration to forge inter-departmental working
relationships as well as multi-county, regional working
relationships . This level of authority and responsibility
is needed in order to successfully plan, develop and
implement many of the recommendations contained in this
action plan.
Proposing that the public, via the ballot process, be
involved in shaping the future of these important public
policy questions is an important action step. This step
provides useful information and actually helps to speed the
community recovery process which centers around taking
responsibility for the healing process .
VIII. IMPLEMENTATION IDEAS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
INTERDICTION COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN
The following Community Action Plan focuses on the law
enforcement approach to wage war on abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Historically, society has looked to law enforcement to maintain
crime prevention and law enforcement services but the social
tragedy of alcohol and drug abuse is overwhelming law enforcement
capabilities .
Law enforcement and the criminal justice system is our first line
of defense for public safety in enforcing the laws regarding the
use and abuse of illegal drugs. There has been much success with
the existing three regional narcotics enforcement teams . These
efforts need to be continued and supported.
However, these efforts are but one division in this war. It is
essential that all institutions and service providers cooperate
and coordinate their prevention and service missions . Every
individual 's input, support and active involvement with law
enforcement, education, intervention and treatment services will
make us an effective army.
PROPOSED ACTIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Each law enforcement agency should routinely inform their
governing bodies and community as to the extent and nature
of drugs/alcohol , abuse and report the progress they have
made in implementing this Action Plan in their region..
Each law enforcement, agency should participate with
community-based organizations against substance abuse to -
develop demand reduction education by providing programs :
* In the schools such as DARE, SANE, REAP, Here' s Looking;
at You 2000, etc.
* To any community-based organization.
Each law enforcement agency should jointly develop and adopt
policies with all educational institutions in their
jurisdictions to enforce drug and alcohol laws on campus .
Consideration should be given to establishing drug-free
schools and drug-free zones .
Each law enforcement agency should improve . operational
effectiveness against alcohol violations by:
* Implementing tactics which will decrease driving under
'the influence of drugs and alcohol .
* Implementing tactics which will reduce sales/furnishing
to and use of alcohol by minors, including educating
adults about the fact that it is illegal to provide
alcohol to minors .
Each law enforcement agency should participate in
multi-agency task forces which integrate federal, state and
local drug enforcement agencies and prosecutors for the
purpose of enhancing inter-agency coordination, intelligence
and facilitation of multi-jurisdictional investigations
(e.g. , CCCNET, ECCNET and WCCNET) .
- Each law enforcement. agency should establish a Serious
Habitual Offender program (SHO) to coordinate with .
prosecution, probation. and schools, if the offender is a
juvenile, in targeting the most serious offenders for
apprehension, prosecution and incarceration. Staffing-up
must occur in the District Attorney' s Office to permit
vertical prosecution of these offenders .
The number of police officers in law enforcement agencies
must be increased to enhance patrol and line operation
staffing and place more officers on the street to protect
the community and suppress drug and gang-related crime by:
* Maintaining proactive enforcement against street-level
dealers and users .
* Implementing programs to disrupt commerce in stolen
goods and property which have proven to be directly
related to illegal purchase and use of drugs/narcotics.
* Utilizing problem-oriented policing methods to
strengthen community and neighborhood participation.
* Providing rapid response to all persons reporting
drug/alcohol violations .
"Hot Lines" should be considered throughout the county to
receive confidential information relating to drug
violations . Rewards should be offered through creation of
organizations such as "Crime Stoppers", etc.
All law enforcement agencies should develop and seek
community assistance to design programs to target the local
source of controlled and illegal substances such as
precursor chemicals, diverted pharmaceuticals, clandestine
laboratories and marijuana cultivation.
All law enforcement agencies should provide additional
training to all uniformed personnel in identification of
drug/alcohol usage and the implementation of appropriate and
innovative enforcement tactics .
All law enforcement agencies should coordinate efforts with
fire marshals, health inspectors and code enforcement
personnel to abate facilities used for drug distribution or
gang gathering places by enforcing local health, fire,
building and safety codes .
All law enforcement agencies should coordinate their efforts
with business and community organizations, as well as
outreach, treatment and intervention agencies .
All law enforcement agencies should implement procedures to
ensure that revenue from drug asset forfeitures are utilized
to enhance, rather than supplant, law enforcement efforts as
required by law.
Probation, District Attorney and Crime Lab services should
be fully staffed to provide necessary support for law
enforcement agencies .
- Police agencies should implement enforcement . policies
against the user of illicit .drugs and alcohol to reduce the
demand and profit margin associated with substance abuse.
The community must be energized to accept a philosophy of
zero tolerance and should consider appropriate legislation
to provide for seizure of property, such as autos, used in
obtaining or using illegal substances .
In a time of limited resources available to law enforcement,
communities must recognize and accept that to wage a war against
alcohol and narcotics, other tasks such as traffic enforcement
and investigation of minor criminal acts may require setting new
priorities for the allocation of resources .
New partnerships need to be forged with a number of neighborhood,
community and children and youth groups and other human services
agencies . The purpose of these efforts should be to bring about
an overall increase in community support for law enforcement
efforts to suppress and control the substance abuse problem.