Workshops "Drug-free Units" and "Confidentiality" (Session 5)

Introduction: Mr Steve Rossell, European Network of Drug and HIV/AIDS

Services in Prison (ENDHASP): "The history of the development of standards

on harm reduction in prison"

Mr. Rossell's presentation called "Standards for all" started with a

brief introduction to Cranstoun activities on the field of Prison Services

and defining the two basic objectives of his presentation. Firstly, to

provide an overview and history of the development of Recommendations for

drug services in prison, as developed by ENDHASP. Secondly, to summarise

the principal recommendations, as they are at the moment.

Leaning on historical experience with networking, assessment,

research and finally two conferences (Oldenburg and Marseilles, both 1998)

he introduced 7 important messages and principal recommendations for Drug

Services in Prison. The topics discussed during the conferences included

harm reduction strategies, drug-free treatment, substitution treatment,

needle exchange programmes, peer support, as well as the particular needs

of women prisoners and young prisoners. Principal Recommendations were

made on these topics and definitions on the specific themes were also

given.

There are seven principal recommendations, which were briefly

addressed: alternatives to custody, more services for prisoners,

equivalence of services inside and outside the prison, continuity of

treatment, consent for treatment, training, evaluation and monitoring. Mr

Rossell emphasised that these are still on the level of 'recommendations

for practice' and not yet 'standards', as the establishment of standards

for such services is a complex task that requires discussion and

negotiation between potential providers and customers. The Seminar Pack

contains the recommendations from both conferences.