[Regulations 8 and 13]
| 1. |
Accessibility and availability of programme |
A service provider must –
| (a) |
with the assistance of the Department or the Department of Health ensure that there is a mental health practitioner or social auxiliary worker dedicated to provide prevention services in the community where the programme is conducted; |
| (b) |
avail itself of a resource directory; |
| (c) |
in the absence of a social worker in the community be able to refer a child or service user to a professional for assistance; |
| (d) |
provide for the establishment of support structures to assist the professionals referred to in paragraph (a); |
| (e) |
advertise clearly where centres which conduct prevention programmes are situated; and |
| (f) |
limit the cost of programmes by ensuring that it is conducted at a centre in close proximity to the community being served. |
A programme must —
| (a) |
benefit all persons and families; |
| (b) |
be structured in accordance with approved prevention models; and |
| 3. |
Prevention of experimental use of substances |
A programme must —
| (a) |
create awareness on the dangers and effects of substance abuse; |
| (b) |
educate and provide information to individuals and families; |
| (c) |
equip individuals and families with life skills to promote resilience; and |
| (d) |
provide parents, teachers and care givers with skills to identify early warning signs of substance experimentation to ensure early intervention. |
| 4. |
Assessment of prevalence of substance abuse |
Any service provider who conducts an assessment must—
| (a) |
determine the needs of the community where public education and awareness should be conducted; |
| (b) |
develop a community profile within the community being served indicating the— |
| (i) |
geographical location and geographic spread of schools; |
| (iii) |
resources available to the family; and |
| (iv) |
extent of substance abuse problem. |
| (c) |
have the appropriate training and competencies to conduct assessments; |
| (d) |
conduct assessment on at least twice a year; |
| (e) |
conduct an assessment in response to any well founded complaint or report to the Department; |
| (f) |
ensure that assessment is strength based, holistic and appropriate to the cultural context of the programme; |
| (g) |
ensure maximum participation by the community in the assessment process; |
| (h) |
promote the safety and well-being of all persons in the community being assessed; |
| (i) |
ensure that prevention programmes promote positive social values; |
| (j) |
enhance protective factors and must focus on reducing risk factors; |
| (k) |
target all forms of substance abuse irrespective of whether such substances are recognised in law or not; |
| (l) |
address specific substance abuse problems in the community being served; and |
| (m) |
refrain from using fear tactics. |
| 5. |
Recording of information |
All information gathered during an assessment contemplated in paragraph (f) must be—
| (b) |
treated with confidentiality; |
| (c) |
kept in a safe or lockable cabinet; and |
| (d) |
must be furnished to the District office on quarterly basis and to the HOD when requested by the HOD. |
| 6. |
Education regarding the dangers of the abuse of substances |
A service provider educating the public regarding the dangers of substance abuse must—
| (a) |
provide the public with information on substance abuse, its impact and available treatment options and available resources; |
| (b) |
equip the public with knowledge and information relating to the effects and the impact of substance abuse through— |
| (i) |
awareness raising campaigns; |
| (ii) |
information sessions; |
| (iii) |
brochures, flyers and posters; and |
| (c) |
educate the individuals, families and communities about responsible use of legal substances; |
| (d) |
inform individuals, families and communities about risks of substance abuse; |
| (e) |
raise awareness together with other relevant stakeholders about substance abuse and associated physical and mental health problems as well as social problems; |
| (f) |
address sexual risk behaviour among prevention programme participants in order to reduce the risk of contracting transmittable diseases; |
| (g) |
ensure that health promotion activities involve and target all vulnerable groups and increase their capacity; and |
| (h) |
improve parenting skills throughout families at risk. |
| 7. |
Capacity building programmes |
A service provider who conducts capacity building programmes must—
| (a) |
plan the programme together with the community based on identified needs; |
| (b) |
equip the community with life skills to deal with challenges related to substance abuse through forums which include— |
| (c) |
provide support and guidance to community initiatives aimed at addressing substance abuse problems; |
| (d) |
link communities with local and external resources; and |
| (e) |
facilitate establishment of community-based forums to manage community projects on substance abuse. |
| 8. |
Promotion of healthy lifestyles |
A service provider who conducts programmes promoting a healthy lifestyle must—
| (a) |
identify local recreational facilities and link communities being served to them; |
| (b) |
facilitate and coordinate services and prevention programmes aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles with relevant Departments through establishment of community structures; encourage the communities to participate in— |
| (iii) |
cultural activities; and |
| (c) |
promote healthy eating habits and safe sex practices. |
| 9. |
Identification of groups and communities |
A service provider, when identifying groups and communities, must take the following factors into account:
| (k) |
physical and mental health. |
| 10. |
Promotion of abstinence from substance abuse |
A service provider must—
| (a) |
provide alternatives that are aimed at diverting the attention of substance users and potential substance users; |
| (b) |
advocate that substances, such as medication, are used only for medical reasons; and |
| (c) |
provide support to individuals and families to avoid the use of substances. |
Contingency Fees Act, 1997
