CAS-N SERVICES INCLUDE:



Background

Each Boards of Directors, from the Niagara Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (NADAS) as well as the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre through their respective strategic planning processes have identified the need to systems plan with the objective to create a more integrated, seamless and flexible continuum of services for those people in the Niagara Region
struggling with issues related to addictions.

Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centre exists to "provide comprehensive alcohol and drug treatment for individuals and their families". - agency Constitution

At a program level ADTC operates a three week day treatment program, an after care program and a family program.

Niagara Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service exists to "co-ordinate the addictions treatment network in Niagara and create a more efficient system by:

1. facilitating accessibility to the treatment system by offering a point of entry to the population of Niagara;
2. providing a comprehensive assessment and referral service;
3. facilitating a match between client needs and treatment services; 
4. offering ongoing support and guidance through the network to clients;
5. increasing the number of clients treated in a community based treatment model rather than in residential treatment programs
6. providing ongoing client monitoring to ensure that client progress through the treatment network smoothly." - agency Constitution
   

NADAS delivers assessment services, individual, family and specific
programming for youth targeted at those struggling with substance abuse issues and gambling addictions.

In February of 2008 a Joint Steering Committee with representatives from both Boards of Directors met to formally explore the idea of joining the two agencies and services in some way. The result has been an Agreement in Principle to explore the "merger" of the two agencies. This then brought about a full agreement to merge the two agencies into one.


Purpose

Community Addiction Services of Niagara (formerly the Niagara Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service) was established to provide access to relevant treatment resources for individuals and their families living in the Niagara Region with alcohol and drug concerns.

This goal is accomplished by:

1. Making the addiction treatment network accessible to the general population
   
   
2. Facilitating a match between client needs and available treatment resources through assessment and an individualized treatment plan
   
   
3. Making referrals to the continuum of addiction services (agency-provided and external) as well as to other community programs and services
   
   
4. Providing on-going support and guidance through case management and follow-up services
   

Historical Perspective

In 1982, the Niagara Alcohol and Drug Assessment Service (known as NADAS)
was funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health to provide the services of
assessment, treatment planning, referral, case management and follow-up for
adult clients (16 years and over) with alcohol and drug problems.

In 1988, the agency incorporated treatment specific for youth and their
families into its mandate. This department was named Outpatient Treatment,
Education and Counselling Program (known as OTEC). As a result of this
expansion, the agency became a life span service provider.

In 1997, the agency was designated as the Niagara Region's provider of
problem gambling treatment. In the same year, satellite service and
outpatient counselling were significantly expanded in keeping with the
Ministry's directive of accessible, seamless care.

In 1999, under contract to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the
agency commenced delivery of Ontario's new drinking and driving remedial
measures program, 'Back on Track'.

Therapeutics

From a philosophical perspective, we believe that clients should retain the
fullest control over their lives and that people with substance use and
gambling concerns can learn to manage these obstacles and lead a fulfilling
and productive life.

In order to support these principles, the agency has developed interventions
based on solution-oriented and strength-based theories. The approach is
integrative using the Transtheoretical Stages of Change Model,
Solution-Focused and Cognitive-Behavioural Therapies and Systems Theory.