Let's Talk

Policy, Planning and Coordination Sector

National Summer Institute on Addictions 2004
Concurrent Disorders:
Best Practices and Implementation

By Suzanne Leclerc, Communications Executive and Lucy Hume, Associate Director, Special Projects

The Addictions Research Centre, Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) co-sponsored the second National Summer Institute on Addictions, offering a national focus for the presentation of current information on the treatment of offenders with both mental health and substance abuse problems (concurrent disorders). The Institute, which took place July 12-15, 2004, is an expression of the commitment shared by both organizations to support the development and dissemination of evidence-based addiction knowledge in Canada.

Approximately 60 professionals in addictions and mental treatment from across Canada attended the four-day training event in Montague, Prince Edward Island. Interest exceeded the available space and work is underway to find ways of expanding capacity for future Institutes. Participants were provided with a book containing all the presentations and related publications. Most of the costs of the Institute were paid through registration fees.

The Institute was an opportunity for CSC and its partners to build on the work initiated by Health Canada in the 2001 report entitled Best Practices: Concurrent Mental and Substance Use Disorders. Leading Canadian experts - many of whom were involved in the development of this report - shared their knowledge and experiences in organizational restructuring, comprehensive screening and assessment, and integrated treatment models. The needs of special populations, for example Aboriginals, youth and women offenders, were also examined throughout the week as well as perspectives on bridging the gap between knowledge and service delivery.

Successes, challenges, and "lessons learned" were explored over the four days as participants were encouraged to participate in a focused and interactive learning environment. With representation from every province, the Yukon and North West Territories, this year's National Summer Institute offered a rich and rewarding exchange across sectors and regions.

Within CSC, approximately 20 percent of the offender population have been identified as having both a substance abuse and mental heath disorders. CSC's commitment to respond to the needs of offenders who require specialized care will result in the reduction of the "revolving door" phenomenon and will ultimately contribute to the health and safety of our communities.

A summary of the Institute will be available on-line on the CSC Infonet Website in late fall.