Strasbourg,
27 – 28 November 2006
P-PG/MinConf(2006)2
Pompidou Group
Ministerial Conference 2006:
Signals and Results
2004 - 2006
Report on the implementation of the
Pompidou Group 2004 – 2006 Work Programme
prepared by Platform Coordinators and the Secretariat
The 2004 – 2006 Work Programme was adopted at the Pompidou Group’s Ministerial Conference in Dublin in 2003. The principal, it represents a rather radical departure from its predecessors both in terms of its focus and its main working methods. In this, it responded to the review undertaken of the role and functioning of the Pompidou Group. In particular, it sought to address the core tasks and activities set out in the statement on the structure and working methods of the Pompidou Group (P-PG/Minconf (2003) 6).
The Pompidou Group’s main work has been focused around 6 “Platforms” of expertise: 4 Platforms addressed specific fields of drugs policies: the (i) prevention, (ii) treatment, (iii) criminal justice and regulatory issues, (iv) airports. 2 Platforms were of a multi-sectoral nature and address issues of interdisciplinary and transversal importance: (i) the Research Platform and (ii) the Ethics and Human Rights Platform. The main functions of the Platforms has been to introduce practitioners’ knowledge and experience into the policy making process and to identify, promote examples of good practice in the successful implementation of policies. The conclusions and signals from the Platforms are included in part I. of this report.
The 2004 – 2006 Work Programme also included a variety of specific activities, such as bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects, pilot studies, training activities. Bilateral and multilateral projects implemented in Member States were aimed at exploring practical, innovatory solutions with special emphasis on local issues, specific needs and identified target groups. Many of these activities were implemented on the basis of voluntary contributions from Members States or in cooperation with other international organisations. The results of the activities are included in Part II. of this report.
Table contents
The role and capacities of parents in drug prevention
Towards evidence-based policies: evaluating prevention activities
Challenges for professionals in implementing prevention activities
Telematics and information technologies in drug prevention
Participation of the target groups as a resource in drug prevention
Prevention Among Children of Drug Users
Involving Young People in Drug Prevention
Adapting treatment to evolving patterns of drugs consumption
Treatment of young (up to 25 years) drugs users in situation of harmful use or dependency
Preconditions for a positive development
Practical measures with regard to open drug scenes in general
Services in the handling of problems arising from open drug scenes
Signals on connecting research, policy and practice
Developments in social drug research
Developments in biomedical drug research
Developments in psychological drug research
Recommendations on drug testing in schools
Review of drug seizures in Europe
Airport Crime: Risk Analysis related to airports employees
|
Thematic objectives 2004-2006 Parents and Prevention and Evaluation Poly-drug Use Telematics Involving Target Groups in Prevention Executive Summary Monitoring and Evaluation Only a few prevention programmes show positive effects, and often these effects are small. However, since prevention programmes often reach large numbers of people, even small effects may, on aggregate, have a significant impact overall. It is difficult to measure the effects of prevention programmes. Many have multiple aims – not all drug-related – and the outcomes are often long-term. Monitoring and evaluation of programmes is not always carried out, and, when it is, it is often poorly done. Caution must be exercised in interpreting the results of evaluated programmes in different cultural contexts. Parents and Prevention
Parents and families are increasingly identified as key factors in reducing risks and developing protective factors. However, they are difficult to reach. The school and peer-group environments prove to be the most conducive contexts for reaching young people provided they are engaged as genuine stakeholders with valid inputs to make. Telematics and Prevention
Telematics are the most promising new tool at the moment that has been shown to reach target groups that have been hard to reach by other methods. Poly-drug Use Poly-drug use poses new challenges in prevention since it varies and evolves often rapidly. And it nearly always involves both illegal and legal drugs. Involving Target Groups in Prevention Research shows that involvement of the target groups in development and evaluation of prevention activities is an important factor of effective prevention. |
The role and capacities of parents in drug preventionReport of the 1st Meeting of the Prevention Platform 2 P-PG Prev PF (2004) 6 rev |
Parents are difficult to reach: in drug prevention work, it is relatively easy to reach the ‘worried well’ – meaning those parents who are worried about drugs but whose children are unlikely to develop problems. Much more important – and more difficult – to reach are those parents whose children are in some ways vulnerable to drugs problems.
Contact with parents through the school is one way to reach almost all parents, but will tend to engage most easily those who least need support. Targeted work with parents of potentially vulnerable children has the potential for greater effectiveness (for example, in the community), but is likely to be more difficult and more costly. Outreach work may be necessary to reach particularly disadvantaged or excluded groups. Drug users who are parents have children who may be particularly vulnerable to drug problems; their needs can be addressed as part of their treatment – but they seldom are.
Effective drug prevention programmes should aim at improving the communication between parents and young people during different periods of childhood and adolescence. This approach will reinforce protective factors:
opportunities for children to be involved in and contribute to the family
skills for family communication and problem solving
recognition of new skills that growing children develop
manoeuvring power struggles
responsibilities and consequences
family bonding
understanding what drugs are and attitudes towards drugs
Towards evidence-based policies: evaluating prevention activitiesReport of the 1st Meeting of the Prevention Platform 2 P-PG Prev PF (2004) 6 rev |
In Europe at present the importance of basing prevention programmes on analysis of what works seems to be not widely understood. There appears to be a culture of rushing to action that is based on popular assumption of what will work rather than analysis of what does. This is compounded by poor staff training and development, lack of resources, high staff turnover and a lack of professional skills.
The Pompidou group Prevention Platform recommends that in working towards evidence-based policies the following aspects need to be observed:
recognition that the nature of prevention goals will inevitably be long term and complex
drug related and non-drug related outcomes need to be recognised and specified
risk and preventive factors are often likely to be generic rather than focused on particular substances
develop ‘proxy indicators’
involve stakeholders as genuine partners
develop a ‘culture of reflection’
develop evaluation skill levels
Those programmes demonstrating results that pass scientific scrutiny are few and their effects are relatively small. However, since prevention is comparatively cheap (compared with enforcement and treatment) and programmes often reach large numbers of people, they can be cost-effective.
Demonstrating positive results is complex for methodological and theoretical reasons. For example, programmes often seek long term outcomes (e.g. reduced adult drug use); these are hard to measure. Many prevention programmes are multi-facetted, seeking a range of outcomes (an aim supported by evidence), which makes effectiveness harder to assess. The measurement of ‘proxy indicators’ (such as change in risk and protective factors in relation to drug misuse) is one way forward.
Conclusions from evaluation must be sensitive to the cultural context. Programmes that work or don’t work in one cultural context might operate differently in another. Cross-cultural transfer of programmes is complex and needs to be carried out carefully.
Challenges for professionals in implementing prevention activitiesReport of the 1st Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 P-PG Prev PF (2004) 6 rev |
The Prevention Platform found that there are a number of factors that tend to inhibit the development of successful prevention programmes, arising at all levels- political, professional and administrative. They may be summarised as:
lack of knowledge and insufficient information
insufficient practice
lack of systematic cooperation and networking with relevant partner organizations
overlap of responsibilities different levels of government
addressing a long-term problem with projects that receive short-term financial and human resources
lack of common policy approaches and credibility of policies (conflicting messages)
a lack of motivation of professionals and practitioners (there is a risk that teachers, for example, will see drug abuse prevention as just another message among many that they are supposed to put across)
competition and incoherence between different prevention programmes aimed at young people;
competition between different public actors, for example police forces often better access to schools as compared with representatives of public health authorities.
Poly-drug useReport of the 2nd Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 P-PG / Prev PF (2004) 9 rev |
While a lot is known about some groups of poly-drug users (for example, long-term heroin users) there were other poly-drug-using groups (such as recreational synthetic drug users) about which relatively little is known. The drug choices in poly-drug use are often rapidly-changing ones and detailed and up-to-date information available on these changes is often lacking Known factors include:
poly-drug users tend to be high risk drug users. However, some poly-drug use is quite sophisticated as users seek to achieve particular kinds of drug-related experiences. These users might be particularly open to receiving accurate information
some poly-drug use might be ‘pathological’, for example, users seeking to escape from adverse life experience; but, for many poly-drug users the motivation will be purely hedonistic
‘risk factors’ for poly-drug use were typical of the risk factors for other heavy users of drugs. For example: early onset of drug use, the early use of alcohol or tobacco etc.
What aspects of prevention strategies should be adapted to meet the needs of poly-drug users?
for those groups well known to drugs prevention experts, such as long-term heroin users, a greater recognition of their poly-drug use, and the extent to which these users might shift to using other drugs would be helpful in planning and implementing secondary prevention.
for other groups there is a need to match these users’ sophisticated knowledge of the effects of different drugs with similarly sophisticated prevention messages. This group is probably particularly likely to be alienated by ‘just say no’ or alarmist-type messages. But – provided that credibility had been established – they are probably very open to accurate drugs information appropriately presented.
the problem is the lack of detailed information on the risks and consequences of poly-drug use and the different types of combinations as well as user profiles. Nevertheless, the information that is available on poly-drug use, as well as information that can be inferred from the psychopharmacology of drugs, could be usefully communicated to poly-drug users, and to potential poly-drug users in a non-alarmist fashion.
Telematics and information technologies in drug preventionReport of the 3rd Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 PG Prev PF (2005) 7 rev |
Telematics in prevention can make face-to-face work easier and more effective in some cases. But, to be effective, it must be on-going over time, linked to contexts (community, family, peers, etc…), interactive and targeted. Low-threshold access to Internet services and mobile phone communication could make them one of the most effective methods of prevention. For the time being access to the new technologies varies still greatly across Europe. But the general accessibility of IT and phone-based services is likely to continue to increase rapidly.
The Prevention Platform found that the specific advantages of internet and telecommunications based services in drug prevention are:
low-threshold access
independence of time and place
anonymity and possibility to regulate the psychosocial distance
interactivity, feedback and democracy
high accuracy of the written information and possibility to return to it
attractiveness to young people (the target group)
The Platform found that in effective telematic-based prevention activity:
the aims and objectives of the services should be clearly defined and take into account different interests of various target groups
the services should have high standards of technology and design in comparison with commercial and personal web-sites or services.
attitudes of target groups to the sources of information should be taken into account. The more information is personalised and tailored to the specific needs of target groups, the more effective the services could be
Nevertheless, telematic-based prevention cannot be effective out of context. It must be embedded in a social context (community, family, peers, etc…) and linked to other existing services and methods of prevention, on-going over time, linked to a social context, interactive and targeted.
The following aspects need to be taken into consideration in the future telematics activities in the field of prevention:
quality proof systems and regulation
integration of contents: public health, portals, other services and projects related to prevention
need for research on the use and effects of telematics services
standardisation of platforms and interface
new technologies: use of broadband services, SMS text and picture messages, global positioning systems and other mobile services
virtual reality and use of experiences, feelings and sensations
Participation of the target groups as a resource in drug preventionReport of the 4th Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 P-PG Prev PF (2005) 12 |
The target groups in drug prevention include not only current drug users but also young people who may not be using drugs, as well as parents. Parents can be especially helpful as a resource because of their concern about the topic and their extensive contact with their children. Communities can also be targeted and can be a valuable resource.
The Prevention Platform found that involvement of the target groups as a resource in drug prevention has certain advantages:
they have a first hand knowledge of the situation,
they provide a better quality feedback and new ideas as well as help to develop new methods of prevention,
target groups involvement also gives the groups themselves a chance to have an impact on social and political dimension of prevention activities. This can lead to a more lasting change in their attitudes and behaviour;
their involvement can help to reduce the cost of prevention activities.
There are some difficulties in involving target groups:
a danger of losing control of the ‘message’ when it is taken up by non-professionals;
the differences of perspective on ‘the drug problem’ and disagreements about the methods to be used. Parents, may, for example, favour harsh and punitive approaches, while some young drug users may favour approaches to tackling drugs problems that are unacceptable to funders or workers.
The Prevention Platform recommends that the following aspects should be taken into consideration when target groups are involved in prevention activities:
development of ways to sustain their involvement;
control over the key message of prevention must be kept by the programme administrators;
it should be borne in mind that target group knowledge may be limited to its subculture;
it is essential to ground prevention work in research because ad hoc prevention activities could be misleading and dangerous;
the issue of communication should be specifically addressed: all parties involved should come to common vocabulary employers might be an effective gateway to reach parents
Prevention Among Children of Drug UsersReport of the 5th Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 P-PG Prev PF (2006) 5 |
In discussing prevention among children of drug users the Platform raised the following key points:
the difficulties in identifying children of drug-using parents
similarities with children of drug-using parents and children of alcohol-misusing parents
co-operation between services at all levels is crucial. The link between prevention and treatment services should be strengthened
services were not always geared towards prevention
services are required that focus on children and their needs. Family-focused approaches are favoured, and agencies should be structured to enable them to deal with a range of family problems
there was a danger of labelling children of drug-using parents as ‘problematic’ and caution was needed about this
The Platform’s discussion on school-based prevention included the following points:
the range of school-based programmes varies greatly, partly due to the devolution of responsibility for services in many countries; this devolution is increasing
programme approaches vary in quality and type. The life-skills approach had a lot to recommend it and was supported by research evidence
an integrated approach to drug prevention – for example encompassing healthy lifestyles – is also to be recommended, although it is harder to evaluate
a school-based programmes need to be flexible enough to respond to different local situations, for example, the differences between rural and urban schools
involving parents in school-based drug prevention is important and can increase effectiveness, but there are a range of difficulties to be tackled
effective implementation of programmes has to take place in context and to continue over time. Teachers need continuing support in implementing programmes
drug education is not equivalent to school-based drug prevention. The expectation of prevention programmes is a change in behaviour in a particular direction, but education is not about modifying behaviour in a particular way to achieve a particular outcome
the success of programmes should be measured by agreed outcomes, not simply by whether they are liked by teachers and / or students
funding needs to be secure and for a long-enough period to enable effective implementation. Evaluation needs to be integrated into innovative programmes
Involving Young People in Drug PreventionReport of the 6th Meeting of the Expert Forum for Drug Prevention 2 P-PG Prev PF (2006) 9 |
In discussing involvement of young people in drugs prevention the Platform raised the following key points:
involving young people in drug prevention is crucial. Young people’s involvement is right in principle; and young people have something extra to offer to drug prevention
there are many different ways of involving young people but some approaches, being overly structured, limit the involvement of some young people. More informal and flexible ways are needed to involve and engage a range of young people
effectively involving young people is complex. There are many youth sub-cultures; communicating effectively with young people who are immersed in those sub-cultures and involving them in drug prevention requires innovative approaches. These run the risk of failure, they can be difficult to evaluate
peer-led programmes show much potential. The young ‘message-givers’ can have credibility among their peers and can help to get the ‘tone’ right, and the ‘messages’ accurate and convincing, and appropriate to the particular social group that is being addressed
peers are not necessarily of the same age but need to be perceived by the target group as ‘like us’ – credibility is crucial
peer educators need appropriate training and on-going support. Programmes of education that they deliver to their peers should be tailored to the target group and educationally appropriate
ÜTreatment Platform
|
Thematic objective 2004 - 2006: Implications of changing patterns of drug use Executive Summary The experts participating in this platform is responsible for studying specific subjects and producing technical statements and recommendations addressed to: Scientists and researchers with the aim to: to improve the quality in the field of epidemiology and the reliability and the compatibility of data, to facilitate progress in neurological, psychotherapeutic and biochemical clinical research. Politicians and decision-makers with the aim to: to match the patient needs with the treatment systems and offers, to facilitate the accessibility to treatment by obtaining more flexibility of existing services for drug users, taking into account the role of alcohol as a main component in poly-drug use, to involve and support families and other specific groups related to poly-drug users, to promote evaluation of effectiveness and cost efficiency of different treatment modalities, to improve the skills of professionals working "on the ground", to highlight the specific therapy problems linked to HIV risk and infection to ensure the continuity of treatment in prisons. Under the Work Programme 2004-2006, the Platform addressed the following issues: Adapting treatment to evolving patterns of drugs consumption Goals of treatment involving families and other people around young drugs users Treatment of young (up to 25 years) drugs users in situation of harmful use or dependency |
Adapting treatment to evolving patterns of drugs consumptionChanging consumption patterns and care of users – summary of technical reports 2 P-PG/ND (2004) 4 |
The following aspects were signalled:
the emergence of new patterns of consumption in most of the European countries;
the necessity of better information on groups of users, both occasional and regular;
the lack of specific harm reduction programmes;
the absence of precise guidelines on the care of users of new and emerging drugs
the rigidity of care structures facing the new patterns of consumption;
the necessity to adapt current care structures and approaches
the requirement to improve the specific training of professionals
the need of a "holistic" view of the therapy, particularly in relation to associated physical and psychiatric diseases.
the deficient information on cost/effectiveness assessment and,
in general, the demand to improve the harmonization between patient needs, care demands and society offers.
Goals of treatment involving families and other people around young drugs users (general practitioners, teachers, friends, peers…)
The discussions led to the following statements:
it is necessary to involve families in the process of treatment and care;
agreement of the young user must be requested prior to his/her treatment and before informing families of his/her case;
agreement of the family should also be requested preceding the start of any family therapy;
family therapy (group therapy and home sessions) can result in being too expensive and complicated to be regularly practiced; however, simple counseling and involving family should be the usual approach;
effectiveness of family therapy must be assessed, checking aspects as:
general family functioning and dynamics
performance in school
continuity or interruption of drug consumption
reduction of harmful or problematic behaviour
it is essential to support self-help groups for drugs users and their families;
general Practitioners (GP) and other medical doctors (especially psychiatrists) must also be involved in the treatment and care of young drugs users;
the role of GP should be limited to family counseling and involvement;
only GPs interested in dealing with young drugs users could benefit from the specific training courses on general managing of drugs problems;
in general, GP must play the role as the access point to treatment, being able to address the patient to specialized care system after first diagnosis and case by case evaluation, paying special attention to the cases associated with alcohol intake;
involvement of teachers and peers should mostly be limited to prevention initiatives and campaigns.
Treatment of young (up to 25 years) drugs users in situation of harmful use or dependencyYoung people and drugs – care and treatment 2 P-PG/TT (2006) 5 |
Young people using drugs no longer have access to the support systems that exist for children. Due to a variety of factors, they do not yet have independent access to adult help systems. One of the main targets of the experts Group work on this topic is to highlight the issue of access to these systems and try to improve it. In concluding its work the Expert Group raised the following points:
increase in the general consumption of drugs amongst young people and a stabilisation of the more serious drug-related health problems.
growth in cannabis use (solely or associated to alcohol or to other illegal drugs), an emergent use of cocaine and a reduction of new heroin "clients".
lack of care programmes and services specifically adapted to young people;
the need to develop specific programmes based on the model of therapeutic communities, as well as on family therapy;
necessity for prevention programmes, especially in schools
inadequate coordination between different services and agencies working in treatment on national, regional and local level.
The experts propose the following:
it would be necessary to distinguish at least two groups of young drug users with different requirements: those between the ages of 14 and 20 years and those between 21 and 25 years;
however, other factors must be considered in order to define different target groups: cultural and family environment, patterns of consumption, recreational or addictive use, behaviour problems, dual pathology, etc.
treatment modalities should be designed in a different way according to the type of clients: occasional consumers (often only known by emergency services) or addicts;
a particular effort to assess risk situation and reach occasional drug users by the improvement of communication skills must be deployed;
the co-operation between care structures, schools and social services should be improved;
it would be necessary to enable the specific structures in charge of the care of young drug users a continuity of therapy and the mid and long-term follow-up;
the profiles and communication skills of therapists and other professionals dealing with these problems should be developed taking into account the complexity of these clients' requirements;
the care programmes should include only realistic and pragmatic approaches and strategies;
prior to the choice of the treatment modality of young drug users, a clear definition of its goals should be clarified (abstinence, drug-free status or harmful reduction);
the research aimed to facilitate the assessment of risk situations and treatment modalities must be enhanced.
The conclusions of the Expert Group are contained in a publication on “The care of young people using drugs”, which includes aspects like diagnosis tools, care modalities, best practices, guidelines, recommendations, including:
definitions of dependency and recreational, regular, problematic and harmful use
epidemiological basis (how to use the epidemiological data for policy making ?)
analysis of protective and risk factors
how to build the contact with young people?
the motivational interview as the best method to attract young people with drug abuse problems to the care system,
role of peers, parents and educators,
examples of good practice,
role of schools in connexion with social services centres and the health care system,
training of professionals providing care for young people,
outreach work and prevention campaigns in schools,
Young people out of the school system.
screening and assessment
planning and treatment
treatment modalities for young people, continuation of therapy,
examples of good practice,
the diagnosis, as the basis to the decision on therapy options,
the figure of "case manager" (a specialised therapist who takes care of "problematic" cases),
appropriate training of general practitioners who express their will to participate in the diagnosis of young people,
Family therapy.
Treatment of specific groups (pregnant women, school drop-out young people, young with transmissible (HIV, hepatitis C) and psychiatric co-morbidity.
|
Thematic objective 2004 - 2006: Strategies to combat public nuisance including the role of partnership Executive summary In several European countries, a debate on strategies how to combat public and individual nuisance resulting from problematic drug use has started in recent years. In general, the term “nuisance” has been defined very broadly, covering different forms of public and private nuisance. Such behaviour includes violence, intimidation, aggressive begging, street prostitution, the selling of illicit drugs, public urination, public drug taking, the disposal of drug related litter, related street crime, etc. The concept of open drug scene is used for meeting points where drugs are sold and for places where users aggregate and meet each other. It is also used in describing the problems of nuisance and public reactions to the scenes and the development of subcultures that might be experienced offensive. The open drug scene is defined as a situation where citizens are publicly confronted with drug use and drug dealing. As such, public open drug scenes require intervention of some sort, both for the sake of the community and the safety and health of users. Such interventions should include a combination of law enforcement, social and health services, and environmental action. Strategic planning and for agencies to work across disciplines and in partnership is required in designing responses. Recognising the complexity of the problems being faced in relation to drug use, open drug scenes and drug-related crime, it is broadly accepted that a partnership approach involving state agencies, the community and voluntary sector and other relevant parties is needed. |
Preconditions for a positive developmentReport of the Criminal Justice Platform 2 P-PG-CJ (2004) 5 Comparative overview of public nuisance features with regard to open drug scenes and different approaches taken by European countries to address them by Helge Waal 2 P-PG-CJ (2004) 6 |
consensus on a coordinated policy dependent upon a compromise between restrictive and liberal views;
acceptance and support of treatment and risk reduction by police and acceptance and support to diminish public nuisance and the destructiveness of illegal activities by the social services and the voluntary organisations is needed;
dependency of access of users to the health care system and social benefits upon change in drug using behaviour should be avoided;
repression and the aim to exclude the deviant user from public space may lead to further alienation, destructive behaviour and misery;
necessary measures should include the respect of basic human principles of our societies; the existence of drug addicts is a social fact of life based on the existence of illegal drug markets;
awareness on the interdependency of social and health risks of drug use both for the user and for society is required;
protection of society at large and drug users includes measures to diminish risk behaviour for infections and overdoses and to assist the particularly vulnerable user;
inclusion of measures to avoid or reduce nuisance and “pull factors” attracting potential users and vulnerable individuals to the scenes of use;
there is evidence that curtailment of open drug scenes and successful harm reduction approaches can go hand in hand;
closing of open drug scenes should be accompanied with high availability of maintenance treatment;
protection measures could include low threshold health care, shelters and other basic needs support, needle dispensing, free condoms and risk management education; furthermore methadone maintenance and maintenance by other opioid agonists, coupled with demands for motivation to change behaviour as a treatment option.
Practical measures with regard to open drug scenes in generalReport of the 2nd Meeting of the Expert Forum for Criminal Justice 2 P-PG-CJ (2004) 5 |
There is an extensive agreement as to the best way in which public open drug scenes can be tackled. This applies regardless of the specific drug scenes found in the countries represented, and in some respects regardless of the ultimate purpose behind any programme of action or desired result. In working towards evidence-based policies the following aspects need to be observed:
Recognise the set of public drug related behaviours that do present real concern to communities and which are undesirable to the general population, civic authorities and local businesses;
Definition of a set of transparent rules to govern cooperation between law enforcement and social and health services;
Provision of adequate, and in some cases substantial and long term resources, from all types of services, whatever intervention is taken;
Involvement and participation of local residents should be ensured;
Action against street level supply of illicit drugs;
Proactively offered treatment and harm reduction;
Consideration of the risk of displacement with a view to ensuring that it does not increase harm to users and local residents alike.
Evaluation of effectiveness of programmes of action to control public open drug scenes.
Practical measures to improve co-operation and partnership between the law enforcement systems and the various socialservices in the handling of problems arising from open drug scenesReport of the 3rd Meeting of the Expert Forum for Criminal Justice 2 P-PG-CJ (2005) 3 |
Problems related to drugs and drug dependency are recognised as extremely complex and must therefore be addressed through interdisciplinary action founded on a partnership strategy involving all the agencies concerned. This applies not only to problems of public nuisance and, in particular, open drug scenes, but also to the social and health issues connected with drugs. Neither law enforcement agencies nor the welfare and health services are capable of resolving them by themselves. There is increasing recognition of the need for co-operation between these services. Cooperative actions require in particular reflection and decisions on their:
Structure: integral part of routine work of the agency or pilot projects;
Composition: the police and social and health services form the core of co-operation, often joined by the prosecution, education and public transportation services. The degree of involvement of the community, concerned citizens, the neighbourhood and NGOs differs widely.
Political support in general and on local level;
Adaptation to local needs and realities;
Readiness to change attitude and perception of the agencies concerned aiming at mutual understanding and trust;
Competence and mandate to take immediate decisions if required;
Realistic objectives commonly agreed upon;
Acceptance of rules of procedure by all participants;
Coherence between the political concepts, messages by policy makers and practical implementation.
The principles and method of the evaluation of the results must be planned at the outset.
Best practices in partnerships between law enforcement systems, relevant social services, the community and the voluntary sector in response to local drug problemsReport of the 4th Meeting of the Expert Forum on Criminal Justice 2 P-PG-CJ (2005) 5 |
There is a need to identify, understand and deeply analyse the local drug problem and its specific contents. The issue becomes about addressing and fixing the problem not about reacting to a crime. Aims and objectives of responses should take into account the following elements:
Shared understanding and agreement on strategic approaches in a long-term perspective;
Flexible focus of responses on a particular area or group of drug users;
Communications issues:
Engagement with media in a pro-active way;
Efficient communication within each agency and between agencies;
Advance information of partners on planned operations;
Organise public meetings to inform the community and to involve it;
Common approach with regard to issues of confidentiality and individual data protection.
Back-up support:
Ensure immediate access to back-up services as to streamline drug users into treatment;
Identify relevant partners at planning stage;
Consider possible role of the business sector;
Prevent possible conflicts with other policy goals;
Grant adequate resources for follow-up and aftercare.
Response coordination:
Identify a liaison function and identify responsible liaison agents;
Regularity of coordination meetings.
Trust and confidence building:
Avoidance of agency protectionism and rivalry;
Parity of esteem of the partners involved.
Training and education:
Training should acknowledge differences and ethnic diversity;
Joint and interagency training is needed.
Recruitment and status of partnerships:
Clear criteria to identify suitable candidates;
Recognition of partnership approaches through rewards, benefits and flexible working hour arrangements;
Ownership of partnerships to be held by senior management.
|
Thematic objectives 2004 - 2006: Connecting research, policy and practice Developments in social drug research Developments on biomedical drug research Developments in psychological drug research Executive summary A considerable body of drug research exists, however it is dominated by quantitative descriptions of the size and make up of the phenomena, genetically oriented biomedical research and short-term research linked to policy and programme development and evaluation. Major challenges therefore include: the need to examine why and how people take drugs and in what settings – this implies an emphasis on qualitative research the need to take full account of the complexity of the drug phenomenon and in particular to investigate the nature and extent of the influence of drug policy on drug use and drug users this complexity also calls for combining the disciplines of social, biomedical, psychological and policy based research providing continuity in drug research, giving preference to analysis of developments rather than photographs of an immediate situation promoting and funding theory-driven research some current research, especially on genetic predisposition to drug use raises important ethical issues in terms of the intervention responses which the results might imply explaining and communicating about research are questions which have to be addressed to improve the motivation for funders to support research priorities identified by the research community. |
Signals on connecting research, policy and practiceConnecting research, policy and practice: lessons learned and challenges ahead - Proceedings of the Pompidou Group’s Strategic Conference 2004 2 ISBN 10 92 871 5535 6 Drugs and drug dependence: linking research, policy and practice, lessons learned, challenges ahead, by Richard Hartnoll 2 ISBN 92-871-5490-2 |
Everything is complex and nothing is without values.
Research should be an important input to the process of policy making. Nevertheless other elements like social and economical factors, political opportunity, and funding possibilities are part of this process.
Despite the progress made over the last 20 years, there is still a lot to do to improve and to clarify, and to fill in the gaps of research, in particular in the Criminal Justice field where scientific data to evaluate the impact of law enforcement interventions are lacking.
The proposals made to better deal with the complexity of the drug issue should be supported
We should encourage more multi-disciplinary approaches
The idea of think-tanks should be supported
What are the priorities? :
A need to clarify the role, position, responsibilities of each actor active in the drug field in order to better coordinate the different interventions
Limit the scope of research to key questions
Quality standards, rules of conduct in research should be developed
What needs to be done ?
The research platform should be creative in finding ways of better organising the work of the research community
We need a body which should be able to translate the political wishes into scientific questions
We also need to define the profile and the organisation of the think-tank function
Developments in social drug researchReport of the 3rd meeting of the Research Platform 2 P-PG Res (2005) 7 Research on Drugs and Drug Policy from a European Perspective 2 ISBN 3 899967 270 4 |
The major issue in current social drug research seems to be “what is the social response to drug use? Since drug policies have not been able to stop the use of drugs, the great challenge now is to understand to what extent drug use and drug users are influenced by drug policy.
A future topic for research seems to be research on cannabis: What does it mean to be a cannabis user in 2006? However, is this because cannabis is a major problem in Europe or is it easier to conduct research on cannabis as the policy debate is also focussed on this issue?
Prevalence figures of drug consumption often give a picture of the past situation in that lifetime prevalence is most often quoted rather than recent and current prevalence. This is then often used to develop prevention programmes. More studies on lifestyles are necessary in order to be able to explain as well as describe the drug use situation and why and how young people take drugs.
In order to understand when and where drug abuse takes place, information is needed on the settings (at home, alone, with friends, etc). This information is important for local and national studies but is also important for international comparison studies.
Although, the research methods chosen depend on the research objective, qualitative methods including ethnography (participant observation, in-depth interviews) and focus group discussions complement quantitative methods to get an understanding of the reason why one uses drug. Therefore qualitative studies should be encouraged.
These qualitative methods should also be encouraged in cross-national studies in order to get more information on the context, and more understanding of the situation in order to enable comparison. The ultimate aim should not be to include as many countries as possible but to get more information on the context.
Since, policy-makers seem to be more interested in research that provides figures, it is difficult for social drug researchers to get funding for qualitative research, which tries to understand how and why young people take drugs. The challenge for social drug research is to switch the emphasis of policy on figures to the fundamental question of understanding why and how one takes drugs. There is a general lack of theory driven research.
Developments in biomedical drug researchReport of the 3rd meeting of the Research Platform 2 P-PG Res (2005) 7 Biomedical research in the drugs field, by Richard Muscat 2 ISBN 10 92 871 6017 1 |
Most of the funding for neuroscience research is in the States and it is difficult to get funding for research both for Social and for Biomedical drug research in Europe
The EU Framework programme for research seems only in the main to accept requests for funds for research in the drug field that are genetically based
Since drug use is a complex phenomenon, the major issue is to try to combine disciplines in an emerging scientific discipline called social-cognitive neuroscience (understanding interactions between the social level, the cognitive level and the neural level)
Since more research is needed on the reasons why one uses drugs, one possible common topic of research for both the biomedical and social field would be to try and reply to the question related to what it is that leads one to use drugs in the first place whether one is genetically predisposed or not. A Second question that needs to be answered is, why, irrespective of predisposition, do some go on to become dependent and others do not.
The psychological perspective also needs to be integrated into the research questions posed above.
The question of predisposition to drug abuse also raises ethical questions. Scientists and sociologists could work together along with the Ethical Platform to discuss these ethical issues especially in light of the emergence of the “cocaine vaccine” that could appear on the market in 2006.
Developments in psychological drug researchPsychological Drug Research, by Jorge Negreiros 2 ISBN 10: 92-871-6032-5 |
Psychological drug research has not been identified by the EU Framework programme as a priority domain for this field of research.
One important issue in psychological drug research is to deepen the understanding of the interactions between personality and cognitive variables and the social and biological dimensions associated with drug use.
Another major issue in current psychological drug research seems to be a clarification of the impact of different personality traits in the initiation and maintenance of drug use.
Drug related expectancies has proved to be a specially promising area in psychological drug research with important implications for the designing of universal preventive programmes, treatment and relapse prevention strategies.
Ethical questions can also be raised concerning the use of personality data for the designing of selective prevention programmes.
|
Thematic objective 2004 - 2006: Ethics in day-to-day practice of drug intervention Executive Summary Attentive to a wide range of ethical issues associated with drugs policies the Pompidou Group set up an Expert Committee on Ethics and Human Rights. During the 2004-2006 Work Programme the Platform members examined the practice of drug testing in schools. The role of ethical principles is to offer warnings and guidance in response to practical situations. Solutions have to be identified and proposed separately for each individual case, on the basis of wide-ranging debate in which all participate. In fact, national practice in the Council of Europe member states varies widely. The absence of detailed studies is particularly noticeable and in many cases there is something of a legal vacuum to accompany the multiplicity of initiatives and activities in this field. The Platforms considered the arguments in favour of testing in schools: the threat of exposure due to testing should make transgressions less frequent; identification and action at an early stage can help to stop drug abuse; action can strengthen young people's ability to resist taking illegal drugs. The Platform concludes that these arguments are based on the power and the threat of surveillance and on the young people's perception of the risk of being caught. Thus far the plausibility of the theories favouring drug tests in schools are not backed up by any hard evidence. Nevertheless, when it is decided to conduct screening tests, important issues remain, in particular that of how to obtain the consent of persons under 18 years of age. |
Recommendations on drug testing in schoolsDraft recommendations on ethical problems linked to drug testing in schools, by A. Lourenço Martins and René Padieu 2 P-PG/Ethics (2005) 7 rev Ethics and human rights and drug testing practices in schools and the workplace - draft opinion, by Micheline Roelandt 2 P- PG/Ethics (2006) 5 |
To avoid drug abuse by young people in school it is essential to help them forge prospects of a worthwhile future. Governments must offer young people an education that enables them to find other means of achieving fulfilment in a society that must be open to all.
Also at the school level:
even the best information and training to combat drug abuse can only be understood by young people who have been educationally prepared to grasp the implications in terms of their own experience;
recognition of human dignity in all circumstances and human rights, as enshrined in the main international instruments, must be included in syllabuses and curricula, as a basis for building this dialogue between the generations;
According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, schools must assume their responsibility to protect children from the use of licit and illicit drugs.
At school it is necessary that teachers and educators develop, maintain or restore an open dialogue with their pupils and the pupils' parents. This makes it easier to detect when pupils are at risk or in trouble, and to help them overcome the problem.
Young adolescents are particularly vulnerable in the face of psychoactive substances. It takes less tobacco consumption for a teenager to become addicted to smoking than for an adult (INSERM, Collective Expertise on tobacco – January 2004). Delaying first contact with psychoactive substances for as long as possible is a priority.
All teaching establishments should have a multidisciplinary team, comprising, for example, a doctor, nurse, psychologist and social worker, to whom pupils in difficulty can turn, or to whom they can be referred. It is not advisable for teachers to play the part of both teacher and social worker.
If we want to teach young people self-respect and respect for others, it is important that the various players involved treat them with respect from an early age, which rules out all forms of violence, whether physical, psychological or emotional.
We should give them access to objective information about licit and illicit drugs, which means understanding the risks associated with each drug.
There is currently no pedagogic evidence of the effectiveness of drug testing in schools as a means of preventing drug use and abuse.
The use of such tests in school may undermine the confidence necessary for a good pedagogic and educational relationship between teachers, parents and pupils.
Testing in schools may conflict with ethical principles such as individual autonomy and respect for privacy, to the extent that they are unjustified intrusions by the state or other authorities into young citizens' private lives that expose them to humiliating or ambiguous situations.
Such tests may also infringe the beneficence – or doing good – principle, since it is doubtful whether the benefit of carrying out tests in schools for preventive purposes outweighs the disadvantages for the young persons concerned, and the non-maleficence – or not doing harm – principle, since the young persons would always suffer unnecessary inconvenience from being subjected to such tests.
Authorities responsible for drug policies in schools, including parents’ representatives, at all levels, should be given the facts on and arguments for and against drug testing in schools and strategies for effective drug prevention. They must also be offered reliable, documented information about how preventive activities are organised and conducted, the results obtained and how effective they are.
The Pompidou Group must make publications on screening tests in schools available to political decision makers and education and school authorities, together with any material it has produced on the subject that it considers relevant.
In view of the questions surrounding the problems of drug use by young people at school, more information is needed about the conditions in which drug use is developing and how the various authorities responsible for the pupils' protection and education – teachers, parents, public authorities and international human rights organisations – are involved in combating drug use. A European research project should be organised in order to cater for this need.
|
Executive Summary The Co-operation Group of Drug Control Services at European Airports is a well-established forum for the exchange of practical information on problems and operational practice between control officers working in European international airports. They meet annually in plenary session during which one day is devoted to the exchange of information on the legal and practical aspects of general aviation, which play a large role in the fight against drug trafficking. In addition to the regular analysis of seizures and exchange of information on patterns of traffic and technical developments, the Group develops specific projects thereby deepening the level of co-operation among drug control services. In an endeavour to evaluate the threat represented by airport employees as facilitators to drug trafficking crime, the Group conducted in particular a project on airport crime supported by the European Commission under the AGIS programme. The aim was to stimulate awareness of airport crime, to generate intelligence and communication, assess criminality levels, document modus operandi, assess control and activity levels, and assess potential threats. In this context, it also developed a new Airport Crime Risk Register used in the participating countries. Having been enlarged to encompass the countries of the platform, this platform succeeded in a certain number of risk evaluation indicators and these were extended towards other areas of airport crime. On the basis of a comparative study, the Group also explored the level and effect of organised crime across some European airports (drugs, money laundering, organised theft, human trafficking, etc.) and strategic approaches comprising multi-agency teams to combat it. The Group identified the need for a systematic application of profiling of passengers and air cargo. This target would be helped by the following: legal access to data from air companies the collection of representative data the exchange of data between different services responsible for drug trafficking a system of effective and rapid exchange of information between international airports. The Group held ad hoc meetings devoted to the exchange of information on new technologies used in European Airports in drug detection and information and data exchange systems. Without prejudice to cooperation activities and taking into account the many international initiatives in the drug field, the Permanent Correspondents of the Pompidou Group decided, in November 2005, that the Secretariat set up an expert group in order to supervise the implementation of the decisions of the Airports Group and to coordinate its activities with the enterprises of international institutions, and in particular those linked to programmes of the European Union. |
Review of drug seizures in EuropeReports of the Airports Group’s Annual Meetings 2 P-PG/Airports (2004) 7 2 P-PG/Airports (2005) 11 2 P-PG/Airports (2006) 7 |
Seizures of all categories of drugs at airports in the Pompidou Group member States increased by 7% from 5009 to 5376 in 2003. It also rose significantly in 2004, from 5,303 to 7,609 interceptions, i.e. an increase of 30%. The increase in the total quantity of all drugs seized was over 25% in 2003 (from 24,892 kg in 2002 to 31,654 kg) and remained almost stable in 2004.
Cocaine remained the main drug seized at European airports and represents 80% of the total number of seizures in 2003 compared to 87% in 2004 accounting for 47% of the total weight of all drugs seized in 2003 and 2004
.
The most common method of concealing the drug on the person was still an abdominal belt or girdle. The number of seizures of cocaine concealed “in the body” declined slightly in 2003 (9%) and increased in 2004 by about 66%.The average quantity of drug balls swallowed by couriers steadily increased, from 695 grams in 2001 to 769 grams in 2002 and 864 grams in 2003 to 970 grams in 2004. Interceptions of cocaine concealed “on the body” decreased in terms of both the number of seizures and the quantity seized.
At the same time, seizures in the mail and transport sectors rose significantly. Germany has been by far the most successful country in the specific case of drugs sent by mail, especially express mail. All the interceptions took place at Frankfurt. The five service providers involved in express mail deliveries and appearing in the analysis are, in decreasing order with regard to the number of cases, UPS, EMS, TNT, DHL and FEDEX.
Seizures of opiates at airports of the Pompidou Group member States declined slightly in 2003 and 2004. (This decline was also perceptible in the case of other modes of transport, especially road haulage).
The seizures of ecstasy at European airports declined significantly in numbers and, above all, in quantity in 2003. As in 2002, the main ecstasy export country was by far the Netherlands.
The seizures of marijuana at European airports declined in terms of the number of interceptions and rose slightly with regard to the quantities seized in 2003. It rose slightly again in 2004.
The seizures of hashish at European airports in 2003 rose considerably, at least with regard to the quantities seized followed by followed by a decrease in 2004.
Airport Crime: Risk Analysis related to airports employeesReports of the Airports Group’s Annual Meetings 2 P-PG/Airports (2004) 7 2 P-PG/Airports (2005) 11 2 P-PG/Airports (2006) 7 |
The Airports Group identified the need for constant awareness raising concerning airport crime, for standard procedures on airport crime reporting, risk registers, etc and for a regular exchange of experience and information on the subject. It recommended to adopt and use the Airport Crime Risk Register on a national level and to continue to hold training seminars on the subject in central and eastern European countries. The question of whether these seminars could be funded by Pompidou Group arose. The main results of the work undertaken were:
the development of a definition of “airport crime”: “Activity by corrupt airport employees who conspire to facilitate the circumvention of border and law enforcement controls, particularly those concerning the trafficking of drugs and the theft of high value goods.”;
the production and circulation of a monthly newsletter informing delegates of project developments;
the production and implementation of a form for reporting incidents involving criminality at airports;
the development and distribution of a catalogue of “modus operandi” employed by criminals working at airports;
the increase in initiatives being taken at European airports in order to improve employees’ control.
It remains important to continue work on the subject and to discuss modalities to introduce the Airport Crime Risk Register and its correct use on a national level.
Evidence arising from a comparative study of the level and effect of organised crime across some European airportsReports of the Airports Group’s Annual Meetings 2 P-PG/Airports (2004) 7 2 P-PG/Airports (2005) 11 2 P-PG/Airports (2006) 7 |
The Airports Group examined the strategic approach of centres for expertise in organised crime and terrorism at Schiphol and other Dutch airports. On the basis of a distinction of four main functions of the public services at airports: customs checking on goods and possible fraud; border police and immigration control checking identities and possibly criminal records of passengers; airport and aviation security (mainly private security companies supervised by governmental agencies) checking departing passengers and their luggage; police preventing and investigating crime and disturbances of public order, the following organisational difficulties and bottle-necks were identified on a general level:
Even after the occurrence of an offence has been established, it might be difficult to investigate;
incompatibilities might be found in the different organisations involved regarding their competencies, powers, objectives, strategies, etc.
joint operational teams at certain airports could help overcome these difficulties;
lack of knowledge on the interrelation between criminal activities within the airport and outside the airport;
cooperation between law enforcement services had intensified recently and tunnel visions were gradually decreasing.
In general, 80% of seizures were made at borders and 20% inland, whereas 80% of the available personnel and financial resources were concentrated on inland seizures and only 20% on border seizures. Certain facts indicated that the criteria for allocation of customs control capacities according to certain priorities should be reviewed. An in-depth examination of the distribution of public resources over the various enforcement agencies involved in drug trafficking via airports could of interest.
ProfilingReports of the Airports Group’s Annual Meetings 2 P-PG/Airports (2004) 7 2 P-PG/Airports (2005) 11 2 P-PG/Airports (2006) 7 |
On the basis of its mandate toimprove data collection systems in Europe, the Airports Group agreed that information exchange systems providing equal access for all law enforcement agencies are needed. The following elements and obstacles are taken into account:
Parameters for essential information of on-going operational analysis and statistics:
The representative of RILO explained the non-operational functioning of the CEN information network and underlined its restricted access; open only to customs authorities, according to policy guidelines adopted in October 2003.
In an ad hoc meeting in Brussels, the Airports Group examined a Belgian proposal on statistics and analysis convinced that it would however be useful to revise these working methods with a view to improving data collection, data comparability and data analysis for strategic, operational and tactical purposes.
The proposed database structure was very comprehensive.
There is agreement that frontline officers required immediate tactical intelligence.
There was a need to collect as much data as possible at strategic-tactical and operational level.
Rapid data exchange should occur with a view to predicting the next offence and be open to police and customs on a day-to-day basis.
As a starting point, common data to be shared should be identified.
The difficulties concerned, inter alia, data protection legislation, language, the scope and extent of data collection (air, rail, tourist buses, cargo, etc), data collection discipline, seizure reports, rapidity of information transmission, the choice of system to which the database should be attached (WCO CEN, INTERPOL, Europol, etc.).
Development of information systems for border controls: barriers and needs
The RILO representative offered temporary use of CEN COMM for the exchange of nominal data by Police as well as Customs. Airport Group member States who wished to access to CEN COMM should make a request to WCO.
There is a need to further explore technical and political conditions for setting up a common international database and information exchange system of this kind, with the participation of representatives of RILO WE, WCO and INTERPOL.
As concerns the Rapid Information Exchange System, a messenger system operated by UK Risk Team, consisting in the sending out of tactical, trend and profiling alerts, the relative lack of security of the current system in which information is transmitted via normal e-mail messages was highlighted. The possibility of encrypting alert messages was also debated.
Regular review of tools |
The Airports Group successfully updated the elaborated tools. Relevant information was transmitted by member States on:
Passenger Control Handbook
2 P-PG- AIRPORTS (2006) 3
Handbook on carrying out checks on general aviation
2 P-PG- AIRPORTS (2004) 4
Directory of Drug Control officials at European airports (“Airports brochure”)
P-PG- AIRPORTS (2005) 9
Directory of National Contact officers in General Aviation (“General aviation brochure”)
P-PG- AIRPORTS (2006) 7
The 2004 – 2006 Work Programme also included a variety of specific activities, such as bilateral and multilateral cooperation projects, pilot programmes and training activities. The number, form and frequency of these activities varied according to the subject and the resources that were available.
|
1st and 2nd European Prevention Forum Cost: € 110.979 Proceedings of the 1st and 2nd European Prevention Forum 2 P-PG/Prev CF (2005) 1 Guidelines for involving young people in prevention 2 P-PG/Prev (2005) 2 |
|
Objectives: A consultative forum where young people, politicians and experts discuss drug prevention related issues. The subjects are linked to the priorities of the Pompidou Group’s working programme in the field of prevention. The European Drug Prevention Forum is held every two years. |
|
First Forum, 5 – 6 October 2004 ,Ekaterinburg, Partners: Russian Federation: Federal Russian Ministry of Education, administration of the Sverdlovsk Oblast, european playwork association. Second Forum, 17-18 May 2006, Vilnius Partners: Lithuanian Ministry of Health, european playwork association. |
|
Outcome 1st Forum: 134 participants from 18 countries The concept of the consultative forum involving young people shows that it is workable, feasible and productive. This type of activity has shown that a regular consultation process between young people and experts/decision makers can generate new insights and information of relevance to developing prevention policies. Young people are often not sure why they should not use drugs. There is little credibility in prevention messages when alcohol and nicotine consumption remains legal. Prevention messages are often boring for young people and are not adequately taking into account their perspectives and perceptions For the first time in such an activity there was an equal balance between young people and other participants. Outcome 2nd Forum: 80 participants from 12 countries. Health related prevention messages have little effect on young people; however messages highlighting the global problems created by illegal drugs (mafias, wars, arms trade etc.) are more likely to have an effect of young people. Young people are confused by conflicting messages about legal life-style drugs that are heavily promoted on the one hand and abstinence messages towards other drugs. Media coverage on drug related issues is perceived as hysterical and as giving a distorted picture of drug use and users and is consequently not widely accepted by young people. |
|
European Prevention Prizes 2004 & 2006 Cost: € 42.941 |
|
Objectives: 3 Prizes were awarded in 2004, and 2 in 2006 each to drug prevention programmes in Europe that involve young people in an active participatory way. The jury consists of 5 young persons and is supported by an advisory panel of 5 experts on drug prevention. The European Prevention prize is awarded every two years on the occasion of the meeting of the European Drug Prevention Forum. |
|
Partners: european playwork association |
|
Outcome: The European Prevention Prize 2004 was awarded on the occasion of the 1st Prevention Forum in Ekaterinburg on 7 October 2004 to the three projects selected by the jury during their meeting in May 2004 in Hamburg: “Voilà” (Switzerland), “Be Aware” (Slovenia), “Young Leaders in the Community” (U.K.). The European Prevention Prize 2006 was awarded on the occasion of the 2nd Prevention Forum in Vilnius on 19 May 2006 to the two projects selected by the jury during their meeting in March 2006 in Amsterdam: « Rusfri Diil » (Norway) and « 421 Peer Drug Education Programme » (Netherlands). |
|
Training course on drug prevention for high risk groups Cost: € 15.000 Report on training for trainers for life skills training in residential care institutions 2 P-PG-Prev-LS-2004-3 |
|
Objectives: Training professionals (social workers, educators, health workers, psychologists) working with young people of high risk groups or in high risk situations on drug prevention methodologies with an emphasis on secondary and tertiary prevention. |
|
Partners: Merseyside Development Foundation, Social Rehabilitation Centre ‘Otrada’, european playwork association |
|
Outcome: Training session held on 2 – 6 March 2004 in Liverpool with 10 participants (multipliers) attending. Trained multipliers, training materials, pilot seminar planned. |
|
Conference “Prevention: do it- share it!” Cost: € 16.250
|
|
Objectives: The aims and scope of the conference included: Lessons learned form the assessment of the PG Prevention handbook, experiences with its dissemination and use, as well as possible indicators on impact Examples of good practices, barriers and problems in disseminating prevention information; Presentation of different dissemination methods for different target groups of professionals and volunteers working in outreach work, peer group work, social work, migrant services etc. |
|
Partners: Jellinek Consultancy (Netherlands), A-Clinic Foundation (Finland), educari (United Kingdom), Narkonet (Russian Federation) |
|
Outcome: Conference 30 November - 2 December 2005 in Strasbourg with 80 participants attending. Signals and recommendations on possible future dissemination of prevention methods Inventory of good practices in sharing, implementing and evaluating prevention methods An informal network of practitioners to share good practice in prevention. |
|
Support Network for Parents and Professionals Cost: € 169.742 Planning and initiating mutual self-help groups in the field of drug demand reduction by Carol Ann Cortese and Arne Schanche Andresen 2 P-PG/Prev SN (2005) 15 Website methods, by Antti Järventaus 2 P-PG/Prev SN(2005) 15 Training materials 2 P-PG/Prev SN (2004) 11 2 P- PG/Prev LS (2004) 5 2 P- PG/Prev LS (2005) 1& 3 |
|
Objectives: The project is aimed at creating an on-line information, support and training network primarily for parents and professionals working in regions with specific situations (urban with high level of unemployment, isolated regions and rural communities). The support network is established in regions of the Russian Federation with possible future extension to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Project work is centred around three pilot projects implemented in the Hanti-Mansiisk, Kurgan and Chelabinsk regions of the Russian Federation. |
|
Partners: This programme was a two and half year activity (2004 – 2006) that is implemented in cooperation with the Nordic Council of Ministers and the assistance of the authorities of Finland, Norway, Russian Federation and Switzerland. The project was completed in autumn 2006 with an evaluation foreseen until spring 2007. |
|
Outcome: 3 pilot projects launched 3 initial training sessions completed, 25 professionals trained 3 main training sessions completed, 25 professionals trained Educational materials for parents prepared Training materials for professionals created Materials for parents self-help groups created, quantity Technical concept to set up website finalised Concept for a virtual training centre developed |
|
Follow-up 2007: Qualitative evaluation of programme and pilot projects Continuation of activities under the full responsibility of partners Potential replication of programme components in Romania, Georgia and Ukraine |
|
Life Skills Training Programme in the Russian Federation Cost: € 21.855 Manual on Life Skills Training in Residential Care, by Olga Fedorova and Richard Ives 2 P-PG/PREV-LS (2004) 5 Toolkit for organising life skills training, by Olga Fedorova 2 P-PG/PREV-LS (2005) 3 Life skills training in schools, by Olga Richard Ives 2 P-PG-Prev-LS (2005) 1 Making Life-skills work: Managing and Coping with Change in Residential Care Facilities, by Amanda Poole 2 P-PG/PREV-LS (2005) 2 |
|
Objectives: The programme focused on drug education for children and young people with special education needs living in residential care institutions that are particularly vulnerable to substance abuse. Teaching life skills and practical experience of using the skills can help to build resilience to resist drug use. The programme targeted professionals working in residential care settings, particularly educators, carers, psychologists, teachers, as well as managers and administrators responsible for care work in these institutions. The seminar, which was held in June 2004, marked the last of a series of life skills training seminars that were held in the Russian Federation since 2002.
|
|
Partners: Youth Administration of the Sverdlovsk region, Federal Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, GUYN Sverdlovsk Region, educari U.K., social rehabilitation centre ‘Otrada’, Municipality of Ekaterinburg |
|
Outcome: 26 trained professionals for implementing Life Skills Training Programmes, 5 trained multipliers for organising further training of professionals, Training and resource materials for developing and implementing Life Skills Training |
|
Follow-up: On-going impact monitoring through qualitative evaluation Planned replication of programme adapted life skills trainings in Romania, Georgia and Ukraine |
|
Local Monitoring Cost: € 36.705 Final report of the project 2 P- PG/Res (2006) 7 E Module 1 : Information, Needs and Ressources Assessment 2 P- PG/Res (2006) 8 E Module 2 : Rapid Situation Assessment 2 P- PG/Res (2006) 9 E Training materials 2 P- PG/Res (2006) 10 E |
|
Objectives: 1. The overall aim of the Local Monitoring Project was to enhance capacities to set up drugs monitoring systems based on local networks of experts (researchers, data collectors, health and social workers) and stakeholders (in the administration, the police, in health and social services) in order to help local policy-makers to take evidence-based decisions regarding the drugs situation. 2. The concept of the project aimed at improving coordination, communication in between the different parties and thus promoting cross-sectoral cooperation in a two stages approach: preparation: building of an information network, making use of an adapted version of UNODC’s INRA (Information, Needs and Resources Assessment module) tools implementation: building an interpretation network, making use of elements of UNODC’s RSA (Rapid Situation Assessment) tools |
|
Partners: Local coordinators in the 12 cities involved in the project |
|
Outcome: Adapted instruments (INRA and RSA) have been devised and tested Experts are being trained to the new concept of the promotion of evidence-based policy and practice at local level. A series of seminars were held since 2002 in Pisa (Italy), Galway (Ireland), Zilina (Slovak Republic), Ostrava (Czech Republic), Cascais (Portugal), Nicosia (Cyprus) and Orenburg (Russian Federation) Local inter-agency networks have been built As the tools were based on the GAP instruments of the UNODC, the experiences will now be incorporated into the integrated electronic manual to be published by UNODC in 2006 |
|
Impact of treatment demand data Cost: € 13.931 Drug treatment demand data : influence on policy and practice 2 P-PG/Res TD (2006) 1 |
|
Objectives: 1. To review how treatment demand (TD) data have been used to help influence policy formulation and practice development. 2. To identify good examples (case studies) of where TD data have been used to help develop evidence-based policies and practices.
|
|
Partners: Contribution from the Research platform members of Italy, Slovenia, and collaboration from Permanent Correspondents |
|
Outcome: New knowledge provided on how treatment demand (TD) data has been used to-date to influence policy formulation and practice development both at local and national level. good examples of where TD data has been used to develop evidence based policies and practices. |
|
Risk factors Cost: € 26.916 Risk factors in adolescent drug use: evidence from school surveys and application in policy 2 P-PG Res RF (2006) 2 |
|
Objectives: 1. To better understand risk factors involved with alcohol, tobacco and drug use among youth and identify the youth cohorts at risk on the basis of ESPAD data 2. Examplify of the use of the data from the French surveys on adolescents in the scientific, media and public policy fields 3. To assess the impact and use of ESPAD data in policy Project duration : 2 years (2005-2006) |
|
Partner: Nordic Council of Ministers (funding agency) |
|
Outcome: Increased understanding of risk factors and impact of the use of ESPAD data in policy making |
|
Strategic Conference 2004 Cost: € 48.180 Connecting research, policy and practice: lessons learned and challenges ahead - Proceedings of the Pompidou Group’s Strategic Conference 2004 2 ISBN 10 92 871 5535 6 Drugs and drug dependence: linking research, policy and practice, lessons learned, challenges ahead, by Richard Hartnoll 2 ISBN 92-871-5490-2 |
|
Objectives: 1. To assess what had been learnt over the past twenty years in epidemiology of drug problems and to identify gaps in knowledge in order to strengthen the drug research base for promoting evidence-based policies 2. To lay the fundations for the research platform and therefore define its fonction which is : to support better the use of research evidence in policy and practice thus facilitating the development of evidence-based policy. to signal the latest issues that arise from drug research in the social field, psychological and biomedical fields and promote the interaction between disciplines in line with the emergence of the new discipline, social cognitive neuroscience. |
|
Partners: EMCDDA and WHO |
|
Outcome: Proceedings of the conference Publication by Richard Hartnoll of interest to policy makers, drug researchers, practitioners, teachers, calling for a strengthening of policy-relevant research on drugs in Europe by investment in a long-term strategy on research. |
|
ESPAD (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) Cost: € 16.947 2003 ESPAD Report 2 ISBN 91-7278-103-3 |
|
Objectives: 1. Support the use of the adapted PG school survey questionnaire and methodology 2. Support the participation of non EU countries in ESPAD annual meetings 3. Improve the visibility of the ESPAD international Report 4. Improve the use of ESPAD data in policy |
|
Partners: The Swedish Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs (Can) : coordinator of ESPAD
|
|
Outcome: Survey report on 35 European countries |
|
MEDSPAD Cost: € 84.495 Validity and reliability of school surveys based on the European ESPAD methodology in Algeria, Libya and Morocco (MedSPAD pilot school survey project) by Ruud Bless and Richard Muscat 2 P- PG/Res- Med (2004) 2 |
|
Objectives: 1. To provide a better insight into the situation as regards drug use in the non-European countries of the Mediterranean region and, in particular, to gather information about young people’s attitudes and behaviour in relation to the consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other substances in these countries. 2. To test the validity of the ESPAD instrument in a different socio-cultural environment and provide an adapted questionnaire |
|
Partners: OFDT, UNDCP Regional Office Cairo |
|
Outcome: Pilot school surveys in Algeria, Libya and Morocco MedSPAD questionnaire School Surveys in Algeria and Morocco Dutch-French initiative of a Mediterranean network of exchange and cooperation in the field of drugs supported by the MedSPAD members
|
|
Online register of current drug research Cost: € 26.248 Inventory of current drug research 2 P-PG/RES (2006) 5 rev Report on PG/EMCCDA meeting on inventory of current drug research 2 P-PG/RES (2006) 6 |
|
Objectives: 1. To offer an online register of current drug research to the researchers in order to facilitate communication and information exchange about WHO is currently doing WHAT type of research. It will be restricted to current research : research which at the moment of the registration has started but not been completed and therefore which is not published yet. 2. Through this register, the researchers will : Submit information on their ongoing projects Find information about other ongoing projects Call for cooperation Reply to tenders |
|
Partners: EMCDDA |
|
Outcome: Feasibility study and draft plan for inventory on current research prepared Technical implementation proposals developed |
|
15th International Conference of the European Society for Social Drug Research (ESSD) Cost: € 31.200 Research on Drugs and Drug Policy from a European Perspective, 15th International Conference of the European Society for Social Drug Research (ESSD) ISBN 3 89967 270 4 Drugs in society: European perspectives by Fountain, J. and Korf, DJ., 2 Radcliffe Press, Oxford,2006 |
|
Objectives: To signal the latest issues that arise from drug research in the social field, psychological and biomedical fields and promote the interaction between disciplines in line with the emergence of the new discipline, social cognitive neuroscience. |
|
Partners: ESSD Members |
|
Outcome: Publication |
|
Seminars on road traffic 2003 and 2006 Cost: € 29.206 Road traffic and psychoactive substances 2 ISBN 92-871-5501-1 |
|
Objectives: To offer a field for discussion co-operation and exchange of best practices among professionals from the Pompidou Group member States and other international organisations on the topic of drugged-driving To disseminate technical and scientific information on the subject with the aim to establish strategies for policy development |
|
Outcome: European seminar held on 10-11 July 2006 in the Council of Europe, Strasbourg Forth meeting of the ad hoc Working Group on 28 March 2006 in Paris Third meeting of the ad hoc Working Group on 5 December 2005 in Paris Second meeting of the ad hoc Working Group on 13 June 2005 in Paris First meeting of the ad hoc Working Group on 11-12 April 2005 in Paris More than 40 participants representing 11 member-States of the Pompidou Group and five international organisations dealing with the subject (European Commission, EMCDDA, WHO, ICADTS, TISPOL) 11 presentations on the current state of the art Wide range of professions concerned by road traffic and psychoactive substances such as doctors, researchers, policemen, lawyers, civil servants, journalists Conclusions disseminated in local and national media |
European Union
Horizontal Drugs Group (HDG)
It was determined that improving knowledge transfer mechanisms in Europe, particularly towards the CEEC, specifically Ukraine, would be an important goal for the Pompidou Group. Permanent Correspondents have a special role to play in promoting the PG’s work on a national level and effectively distribute results. The Finnish EU Presidency included an agenda item on EU-PG cooperation in the July 2006 meeting.
EU Presidencies
The Finnish Presidency had proposed a cooperation with the Pompidou Group for a major conference, that was held on 6-7 September 2006 in Turku, addressing cooperation between law enforcement agencies, and social and health services in prevention and treatment efforts. Criminal Justice is a key area of expertise for the and allowed the Pompidou Group to demonstrate its unique value among European institutions. The Secretariat established a working group of 5 experts to prepare input for the Conference based on the work undertaken by the Criminal Justice Platform. As a result of the Conference the Finnish Presidency suggested to the Ministerial Conference of the Pompidou Group to set up a European network on partnerships between stakeholders at frontline level responding to drug problems in view of its inclusion in the future work programme of the Pompidou Group.
European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction(EMCDDA)
In 2005, the PG and EMCDDA explored potential areas of joint activity and cooperation, searching particularly for proactive methods and non-competitive paths. It was determined that the Pompidou Group could focus on some geographical areas and produce intellectual debates on issues in the field. The EMCDDA would contribute with increased support for the Interagency Group. Meetings between the Director and Chair of the EMCDDA and the Secretary and Chair of the PCs were arranged annually. EMCDDA expressed an interest in the Mediterranean activities carried out by Pompidou Group.
Both organisations agreed to expand training activities to other geographical areas if collaboration proved to have added value.
The Pompidou Group introduced its initiatives to bridge drug policies on the national level with attempts by local governments, and the EMCDDA agreed to support such activities to a certain level, although active involvement would be beyond the agency’s mandate.
The Pompidou Group and EMCDDA are leading to the revitalisation of the Interagency Group in order to achieve better information flow, identify gaps that could be bridged with joint activities, and discuss cooperative measures that could enhance the output of the organizations involved.
A cooperation was launched with the EMCDDA to set up an online register of current drug research projects carried out by Pompidou Group member states and funded by governments or other institutions. The Pompidou Group is leading this pilot project and holds regular meetings with EMCDDA to keep them inform of the development phase of this project and to take into account their expertise
United Nations
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC)
In a 2005 meeting in Vienna, the UNODC representatives of Central Asia and West –Africa office of the UNODC expressed strong interest in cooperating with the Pompidou Group to conduct school surveys and local monitoring programs. Following this meeting, the Regional Epidemiology Advisor of the UNODC Office for Central Asia used the ESPAD questionnaire translated into Russian by Pompidou Group to launch the school surveys. In 2006 the school surveys have been implemented in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The surveys have being funded by UNODC under GAP.
Following the same meeting, the Regional Epidemiology Advisor of the UNODC Office for West Africa adopted in 2006 the MedSPAD methodology developed by Pompidou Group to launch school surveys in Senegal, Togo and Burkina Faso.
United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (UNCND)
The Bureau examined ways to make the original Pompidou Group draft resolution on substitution treatment more available within both member and non-member states, and decided to present an inventory of possible actions to promote the respect of the resolution elaborated by the Pompidou Group on an international level, potentially cooperating with other international actors.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
In February 2004, the Pompidou Group was represented in a WHO HIPP Workshop on prison health aspects and in an editorial meeting for a WHO HIPP handbook on prison health, held in Poland. The chapter of this guide devoted to “prison specific ethical and clinical problems” was written by Dr Jean-Pierre Restellini, the Swiss CPT member, recommended by the Pompidou Group Secretariat. The guide is currently edited by Dr. Heino Stöver and an Editorial Board. Most probably it will be finalised in early 2007.
In October 2004, the Pompidou Group participated as co-organiser in the WHO HIPP Conference on Drugs, Prisons and Harm Reduction, which took place in Noordwijkerhout. The conference was addressed by the Pompidou Group Permanent Correspondents’ presidency. The Pompidou Group Secretariat participated also in the elaboration of a Status Paper on Prisons, Drugs and Harm Reduction, which was adopted on the occasion of the conference.
In October 2005, the Pompidou Group was not asked to act as a co-organiser of the Annual WHO HIPP Conference, which can be explained by the absence of a drug related focus of the conference programme. Nevertheless the Pompidou Group Secretariat has been asked for advice on speakers, to act as a speaker and to chair one of the sessions on substance abuse. The conference was also addressed by the Pompidou Group Executive Secretary.
In 2006, the Pompidou Group Secretariat did not participate in the WHO HIPP Annual Conference, as it was entirely devoted to tuberculosis in prison.
Throughout the period concerned the Pompidou Group Secretariat participated regularly in the annual WHO HIPP network meetings as well as in the bi-annual WHO HIPP Task Force meetings. The Task Force meeting in May 2005 was even hosted by the POMPIDOU GROUP in Strasbourg.
European Society for Social Drug Research (ESSD)
In order to take into account the complexity of the research field and to cooperate with other research disciplines, PG started some cooperation with the European Society for Social Drug Research (ESSD). Therefore PG supported three ESSD annual conferences and the publication of their proceedings : Munich 2004, Manchester 2005 and Lisbon 2006.
The PG also commissioned the ESSD chair with a paper signalling the latest developments in social drug research.
In line with other Council of Europe Budgets, the ordinary budget of the Pompidou Group has remained broadly stable over the period 2003-2006 despite the arrival of a 35th member State, Romania. Indeed, as with other budgets the secretary General integrated overall efficiency gains of 2% into his original proposal for the 2006 budget. This was achieved principally by suppression of a temporary administrative assistant post.
The interim evaluation of the new working structures having shown a low level of participation in the platforms by non-EU countries with below average GDP, Permanent Correspondents asked the Secretary General to include a special budget line to provide support for a limited number of experts from these countries. This was done for 2006, financed by elimination of the old fellowship scheme. The ordinary budget allocations and expenditure for the period are summarised below (table 1).
The 2003-2006 work programme was set up so that core activities (mainly the platforms but also a very limited number of projects) could be financed out of the ordinary budget. Possible additional projects were foreseen but subject to their funding being forthcoming from voluntary contributions from member States or other sources. The Group is very grateful to the countries and organisations who have responded to this appeal thus enabling a significant number of additional activities to be undertaken. These contributions are listed below (table 2).
At the end of the period the overall staffing of the secretariat is composed of :
Head of Department
Principal Administrator, Secretary to the Permanent Correspondents
3 Administrators, responsible for various platforms
1 Principal Administrative Assistant, responsible for the research platform
2 Administrative Assistants
4 secretarial Assistants
TABLE 1
ORDINARY BUDGET ALLOCATIONS AND EXPENDITURES 2004 – 2006
|
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
||||
|
Budget |
Expenditure |
Budget |
Expenditure |
Budget |
Expenditure |
|
|
Staff |
1014000 |
951094 |
1060000 |
994486 |
1020500 |
|
|
Operational expenditure |
350800 |
231359 |
316000 |
249861 |
333800 |
|
|
Fixed contribution to CoE Budget |
469800 |
463139 |
466100 |
466100 |
449900 |
|
|
Total |
1834700 |
1645592 |
1842100 |
1710447 |
1804200 |
|
TABLE 2
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS POMPIDOU GROUP
2004-2006
|
Article credited |
Contributor |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
|
General activities |
Netherlands |
45378 |
45378 |
44924.22 |
|
Portugal |
20000 |
9800 |
||
|
Mednet |
France |
9900 |
||
|
Portugal |
||||
|
Airports |
France |
20000 |
10000 |
|
|
Research / treatment demand |
Ireland |
20000 |
||
|
Research / identification youth at risk |
Nordic Council |
21089.02 |
||
|
Prevention / Forum |
Switzerland |
22851.79 |
||
|
Prevention / support network for parents and professionnals |
Switzerland |
50000* |
25744.91 |
|
|
Prevention / support network for parents and professionnals |
Nordic Council |
49502.29 |
||
|
Prevention / Forum |
Norway |
14373.01 |
||
|
Criminal Justice |
Portugal |
10000 |
||
|
WHO |
557.60 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
188787 |
161514 |
69197 |
*December 2003
In addition, the Committee of Ministers agreed to transfer the unspent balance of 165135 € from the DRSTP programme of the 2000-2003 work programme to the assistance activities account.