Illicit drug use initiative
Macquarie University is set to play a major role in the federal government's new fight against illicit drug use.
The department of Psychology and Access Macquarie were successful in winning a tender from the national Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative (IDDI). The University will be involved in the development of:
- a diversion/drug and alcohol module at postgraduate level
- placements for students within diversion teams, area drug and alcohol services and the NGO field.
Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative
The Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative is part of a national approach to early intervention and prevention of illicit drug use. The primary objective is to increase incentives for drug users to identify and treat their illicit drug use early.
"Drug crime diversion gives offenders who use drugs the chance of undertaking treatment and/or education aimed at helping them to stop using drugs and committing further crimes," says Michelle Dickson, Director of Postgraduate Courses in Social Health and Psychology. "By targeting less serious drug offences, drug crime diversion also aims to prevent a potential new generation of drug-users committing drug-related crime."
The Macquarie team, led by Dickson, will provide expertise and experience in postgraduate teaching, clinical work, curriculum development and postgraduate placement. Team members possess extensive alcohol and other drug (AOD) experience and solid backgrounds in working with clinicians, professionals and students from a diverse range of disciplines.
Enhancing the workforce
A capable workforce is seen as a key factor in preventing drug and alcohol problems and reducing the impact of these problems on families, communities and workplaces (NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse in 2003 and 1999 Drug Summit).
The module and placement scheme being developed by Macquarie University is designed to enhance the current alcohol and other drugs workforce and contribute to drug crime diversion workforce development and sustainability.
"It is anticipated that student exposure to drug and alcohol and drug crime diversion content at postgraduate level will lead to them becoming interested in work within this field," says Dickson.
The postgraduate module will run across areas such as psychology, nursing and social work. The student placement project will run parallel to, and be linked with, the postgraduate module. Students may do the postgraduate module, the placement scheme or both, depending on availability and the needs of the student.
Scholarships
One component of the project is the provision for 25 fee scholarships to complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Health (Alcohol and Other Drug Counselling).
The scholarships, which will cover all tuition fees, are being provided by NSW Health and Macquarie University through funding from the IDDI.
Scholarships are available for those already working in the alcohol and other drug sector as well as those looking to move into this area. Applicants do not need to possess undergraduate qualifications as work experience is valued as an equivalent. The program will be conducted on Fridays and Saturdays with attendance at the University required for 16 days over 12 months.
For further information on the project or the scholarships available contact Michelle Dickson michelle.dickson@psy.mq.edu.au