This research project has been commissioned by the Finglas/Cabra and Blanchardstown Local Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (DATF’s) with the objective of formulating a strategy for Service User Participation in the Task Force Process.

DATFs were established in 1997 prior to and informing the first National Drugs Strategy (2001-2008). While initially the DATF’s targeted specific communities of concern, all areas of the country are now serviced by a DATF of which there are 14 Local and 10 Regional (RDATFs). Task Forces have sought to address "the need for improved coordination in service provision and to utilize the knowledge and experience of local communities in designing and delivering those services." DATFs comprise representatives from a range of relevant state and non-state agencies, including the HSE, the Garda, the Probation and Welfare Service, Education and Training Boards, Local Authorities, the Youth Service, elected public representatives and volunteer community representatives . The community development approach applied by DATF’s reflect the reality that service users do not just live in communities but are members of those communities who often have to manage entrenched stigma and prejudice.

Cabra/Finglas and Blanchardstown LDATF’s have already accumulated significant experience of supporting community participation and now wish to build on that experience by institutionalising an inclusive and systematised SUP strategy which is based on consultations conducted with service providers, users and other stakeholders and which are reflected in this report. The proposed SUP strategy as detailed in section 8.0 of this report has a capacity to deliver an easily accessible structure based on principles of human rights, community development and inclusion. The DATF process facilitates statutory agencies and local communities in collectively assessing and responding to the wide range of drug related issues within their catchment area. Rather than directly delivering services, DATF’s work together with statutory and voluntary community-based agencies to deliver relevant services ranging from "recovery" through to "harm reduction" initiatives.