One step on the pathway to recovery: RAPIDS

Amanda Bladen & Heather Carmichael

RAPIDS

RAPIDS stands for Responsive Assessment Planning, Intervention and Diversion Service

RAPIDS clients are people ...

whose substance use is placing themselves and or others at risk

who are active users, with a long history of problematic substance abuse,

men, women... glbt, both young and old, who can have co-occurring conditions,

including Acquired Brain Injury; intellectual disability; mental illness and physical conditions,

with poor social connectedness including lack of family supports and social isolation, but

who may have roles and responsibilities as carers, partners, parents,

who are likely to have a history of instability e.g. housing, education, employment and/or relationships.

(art by Catherine Bladen and Rebecca Bladen)

It was recognised that those most in need of the services we provide often found the process of navigating our systems too challenging....

Evidence for the RAPIDS approach...

Along with literature reviews we incorporated practice evidence from other agencies, expert practitioners and important others, such as our consumer advisory group and carer perspectives...

We found that for high risk clients with significant drug and alcohol needs, who might not otherwise engage in treatment, there were strong indicators and evidence of the need to provide timely court based assessment, access to brief intervention outreach services and care planning, diversion and referral.

Evidence supports the use of rapid, responsive assessment and brief intervention treatment approaches. Baker et al., 2001; Copeland et al., 2001; Stephens et al., 2000; Saunders et al., 1995)

The evidence for bridging support and brief intervention

We found that the efficacy of brief interventions is well established and is enhanced by the provision of:

• Instant link between courts and AOD service process• Initial bridging treatment/ brief intervention• Tailored care planning, referral and diversion and facilitated

supported engagement (Baker et al., 2001; Copeland et al., 2001; Stephens et al., 2000; Saunders et al., 1995)

Brief interventions can provide both stand alone short term assistance and be an important first step (Breslin, Curtis; Li, Selina; Sdao-Jarvie, Kathy; Tupker, Elsbeth; Ittig-Deland, Virginia)

Brief interventions have a strong potential to prevent harm: are widely recognized as being cost-effective and an important part of the overall approach to responding to people with AOD problems (Crime Delinquency. 2006; 52(1): 52–76. doi: 10.1177/0011128705281746; Higgins-Biddle & Babor 1996:4; www.health.gov.au/internet/alcohol/publishing.nsf);

Collaboration, consultation and liaison: creating a shared understanding

The Model

• Intake • Same Day Assessment• Verbal and Written feedback• Bridging Support• Brokerage

The Model

Client Recovery PathwayClient Recovery Pathway

“Bridging Support”

We go to the client, enabling rather than enforcing bureaucratic obstaclesBridging Support allows RAPIDS assessors to provide the following types of support to our clients:

Motivational Interviewing to build rapport quickly, approach behaviour changes and treatment readiness

Advocate and provide additional support and referral to community agencies

Provide some material aid including: Myki tickets, Woolworths gift vouchers, Pre-paid mobile phones, food parcels provided by “the ACSO Pantry” & clothing donated through “Pass It On”

Workforce Skills and Attributes

• Works with the client to instill hope, facilitate a recovery approach and a sense of potential mastery and control

• Understanding of Justice System• Motivational Interviewing• lived experience• Empathy and compassion• Negotiation• Assessment skills• Reflective Practice

Behind the scenes for the assessor

Along with risk management,

planning intervention, supervision,

liaison with other experts and

services, organising material support,

writing up referrals...

Behind The Scenes For Assessor

The RAPIDS assessor roleThe RAPIDS assessor role

Case Study

Corrections Referral • Simon – 39 year old male• Substantial history of substance abuse since the

age of 18 years• Mental Health/ ABI• Community Corrections Order imposed• Previous attempts at treatment were

unsuccessful, past breaches• Recent relapse into heroin

Case Study

Any Question, Comments or Feedback?Any Questions?