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O'Grada, Cara (2010) Staff perspectives on drug treatment services in prison. PhD thesis, Trinity College Dublin.

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This study explored staff perspectives on drug treatment services in prison. Data was collected via four focus groups, with a total of fifteen participants from a range of professions. While staff acknowledged that services had come a long way, frustration was expressed in relation to the impact of the availability of drugs in prison and prisoner living conditions on the ability of treatment services to reach their potential. Staff questioned the goodness of fit between services and prisoner needs in relation to operational issues, methadone use, waitlisting and stage of change. Inconsistent aftercare was also noted and staff expressed hope for increased provision of drug free spaces, alternative activities for prisoners and follow through on proposed new initiatives. The role of the prison system in facilitating the changes needed was highlighted. Findings were discussed in relation to previous research and the role of a systemic viewpoint in relation to services.

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