Group calls for joint approach with State bodies to solve drug problem

COMMUNITIES AND State bodies must work together in a constructive and active manner if solutions to Ireland's drug problem are to be delivered, the manager of a drug prevention group has said.

Alice Murray of the Killinarden Drugs Primary Prevention Group (KDPPG), which has been developing and working on anti-drug measures in west Dublin for more than 15 years, said partnership was the critical theme underlining her group's success.

"Nobody has a flawless solution to dealing with drugs in a community. However, where the knowledge of communities and statutory agencies is shared, and where statutory agencies support the work of communities through funding and collaboration, tangible results can be achieved," she said.

Ms Murray was speaking as the KDPPG launched a handbook on how parents and community representatives can interact with schools to get concrete results in drug prevention and education.

The book outlines the group's experiences fighting drugs in the Killinarden area, and the authors hope it will show communities "they do not need to reinvent the wheel" when identifying solutions to substance misuse.

Minister of State for Drugs Pat Carey said the handbook would be an invaluable tool for communities who want to develop solutions in their own areas that could deliver a drug- and crime-free life.

"KDPPG has very successfully developed and delivered education and early intervention programmes in schools and communities in the area. It is a model that can be studied and adapted by other communities to address their particular needs," he said.

The group has also launched an overview of a five-year intervention programme called Wrens, which focused on supporting women whose families have been affected by antisocial and criminal behaviour.

The Probation Service-funded programme also offers services to young people considered to be at risk of drug misuse and women who have recently served custodial sentences.

Michael Donnellan, Director of the Probation Service, said Wrens was an effective breaking- the-cycle model which shows the input women can have in diverting their families away from illicit behaviour.

"Families affected by drugs often feel very isolated. By engaging women and offering the skills, confidence-building and support to deal with family problems significant steps can be achieved in preventing their family members from moving into drugs and deviant behaviour," he said.

Mr Donnellan said he was committed to supporting Wrens and said the project will receive €100,000 in funding, a 20 per cent increase, from the Probation Service this year.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times