TIMETABLES FOR NEW GOVERNMENT POLICIES

 

HOME OFFICE 

The HO released its 2010 Drug strategy consultation paper towards the end of August and readers have until end-September to respond.
This is perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get real help for addicts to recover. Feel free to cut-and-paste Addiction Today’s guideline response into the consultation paper. Work will end in December.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

The MoJ’s Rehabilitation Revolution aims to establish an offender management system harnessing “the innovation of the private and voluntary sectors, including payment by results, to cut reoffending”.

1- Determine options and strategy:
June-Oct 2010  Develop a Green Paper setting out the approach to reducing reoffending and improving rehabilitation   
Nov 2010-Feb 2011  Consult with the public after publication of the rehabilitation Green Paper   
Mar 2011-Nov 2011  Develop detailed options for rehabilitation in response to consultation.

2 - Trial payment by results mechanisms:
June-Nov 2010  Develop options for contracting out rehabilitation to third parties, including contractors commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (offender employment) and Department of Health (alcohol and drug rehabilitation)
Aug 2010  Hold round table with private and voluntary sector providers to refine options  
Aug 2010-Dec 2012  Launch/evaluate a pilot rehabilitation scheme, funded by a Social Impact Bond, to reduce re-offending by paying private-and third-sector providers by results.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

The DoH has five priorities, whose timetables started in June:
o a patient-led NHS
o shift resources to promote better healthcare outcomes including patient-reported outcomes
o revolutionise NHS accountability to patients  - and public; more autonomy for doctors/nurses
o better public health – better access to talking  therapies to reduce long-term NHS costs, and partnering with voluntary and private sectors
o reform social care, promising – at last – that people be treated with dignity and respect.