It is estimated that 37% of offenders on probation and 58% of prisoners have severe alcohol problems, and is a factor in their offence or pattern of offending. WCAT have developed many projects to help address this issue. One key project has been the partnership between WCAT and the National Probation Service, which has been a successful operation for over 10 years.
The service is delivered by a qualified WCAT counsellor, either in WCAT offices or Probation offices.
The aim of the programme is to enable the client to focus on the links between their alcohol use and their offending behaviour. The worker will provide support for the client if s/he wishes to make significant lifestyle changes, which may help to break the cycle of offending behaviour.
The link between alcohol and offending is well established. The purpose of the Worcestershire Arrest Referral Programme is to give people who have been arrested in circumstances where alcohol has been a factor a chance to look at the links between their own drinking and offending behaviour.
The programme is a partnership between WCAT, West Mercia Police, West Mercia Magistrates and the Criminal Prosecution Service. Clients are referred by West Mercia Police when it is regarded that alcohol contributed to an offence. Participants are required to attend two sessions, including information about alcohol, review of their current drinking, strategies to avoid future high-risk situations and links between alcohol and crime. The courts are informed of attendance or non-attendance. The Worcestershire Arrest Referral Programme is currently working towards further success by joining the Criminal Justice System.