Drug Counsellors

Question put forward to the Hon. G.E. GAGO regarding drug counsellors within drug and alcohol services.

(First session) The Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK:

1. (a) How many full time equivalent drug counsellors existed within Drug and Alcohol Services; and

(b) What was their average caseload as at:

30 June 2002;

30 June 2003;

30 June 2004;

30 June 2005; and

30 June 2006?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO: I have been advised:

1. The total full-time equivalent (FTE) of DASSA staff providing specialised counselling services on an outpatient basis is 45.4 FTE. However, all DASSA staff working with clients provide counselling as an important component of client care.

2. In general, five outpatient appointments are booked each day per FTE providing specialised counselling services. However, as clients sometimes do not attend appointments or cancel appointments at the last minute, the average number of outpatient attendances per FTE per working day is as follows:

30 June 2002 – 3.2.

30 June 2003 – 3.3.

30 June 2004 – 3.8.

30 June 2005 – 4.4.

30 June 2006 – 4.1.

In addition to providing specialised counselling services, these staff participate in community prevention and early intervention programs.