Drug Interventions Programme

Drug Interventions Record (DIR)

The DIR is a key tool in effectively delivering the Drug Interventions Programme (DIP).

Continuity of care is vital to the treatment and support given to problematic drug using offenders as they move between different criminal justice and treatment agencies.

An analysis highlighted the need for a national framework and system, which would enable and support the effective and efficient transfer of personal information between criminal justice agencies but particularly as people move from the community into custody (prison) and as they move from custody to community.

Given the numbers of individual workers and different agencies involved in managing care in this context, the potential for confusion and inconsistency of service and response has been large.

More on the DIR

The DIR, introduced in 2005, established a common tool for use by CJITs and CARATs containing a minimum set of data for monitoring on one side, while allowing additional free text space for extra continuity of care information on the other, to enable the worker to describe individual circumstances in more detail. Having a common form in use in all areas has enabled familiarity amongst practitioners though regular use, leading not only to easier ways of working but also to greater consistency and effectiveness.

An updated DIR (2009) and associated forms (activity form, required assessment form etc.) replaces and builds on the DIR versions from 2005 and 2007. It includes more detailed information on drug and alcohol use as well as other aspects such as accommodation and employment status.