Scottish Drugs Forum
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So, what does the second Scottish Parliament hold in store in terms of drug policy? The hope is that the balanced policy and approach adopted by the Scottish Executive and largely supported by the Parliament in the first term will be continued in the second. Early announcements from coalition partners, thankfully, suggest this is the case.
Clearly, there are some interesting differences in the political makeup of the Parliament and its 129 MSPs this time round. Only one of the four deputy justice ministers to have held the drugs brief survived the 2003 election, which suggests that drugs is not necessarily good career move for politicians. However, all three previous ministers with a responsibility for drugs made a significant contribution to improving drug services in Scotland.
While losing MSPs with a detailed knowledge and understanding drug policy is regrettable, some of the new intake have made clear their very definite views on certain aspects of drug policy which, we hope, will lead to more honest open and wide-ranging debates.
It is crucial that the issue of how to tackle drug problems is aired in a genuine and exploratory manner and that all our politicians have the courage not to mislead the general public into believing that the most effective way of aiding those communities most affected by drug problems is enforcement, enforcement, enforcement.
SdF will continue to support the Cross Party Group on Drug Misuse and although there will be discussions at the first post-election meeting about expanding its remit to include alcohol, it will continue to be a useful vehicle to inform and influence the various parties' thinking.
Reducing drug deaths and waiting times, improving accessibility to services to increase the numbers of problem drug users coming in contact with them, integrating services, developing the social inclusion agenda and reducing drug-driven crime are key priorities which are likely – and rightly - to be the key drivers of Executive policy this term.
Matters appear to have got off to a good start with the coalition pledges to urgently review drug rehabilitation services across Scotland and the promise of extra resources.
However, any review should explore the balance of provision between medical, social care, employability services and those within the criminal justice system. And for the process to be truly meaningful, it is essential that the views of services users, community groups and practitioners are taken into account.
Making changes on the ground cannot and should not be left to Government Alone. It will be up to those on the frontline to take a long honest look to see if resources available are being used to maximum efficiency and effectiveness. This will require increased ownership of the response from all key players; community groups, service users, carers, policymakers and practitioners.