Policy Name: Drug Education Policy

Aim: (brief definition of policy aim is to be added)

For example, to ensure all students feel safe from harm and supported to achieve their full potential.

Rationale: (Why? Write a brief definition of the rationale for developing a policy)

The four year plan together with a clear policy to manage drug related incidents will contribute to improved health outcomes for students.

Strategies: (How? The development of a four year drug education plan based on the 12 Principles for School Drug Education will ensure a whole school approach to drug education is achieved.

Evaluation: (brief summary of the evaluation that will determine the effectiveness of the drug education program.)

For example:

Part of a four year school strategic plan and continuous school improvement

Use of school level data and other survey tools like Drug Education Evaluation and Monitoring (DEEM) and Principles of Learning and Teaching.

For further information to assist schools implement drug education.

A range of drug education resources are available to assist in teaching 10 hours of drug education.

Funding is available to support the development of the drug education plan.

Example	School policy: Drug related incident plan	(Template)	Schools believe all students have the right to feel safe and supported in their school community. Issues such as alcohol and other drug use and misuse will impact on the school and community.	This school accepts the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to drug education across the whole school community. This school acknowledges that it is only one part of a community response to drug issues.	This school aims to develop and maintain a health-promoting environment. The possession, use, selling and distribution of substances such as tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, inappropriately used prescription drugs and all illicit drugs at school constitute a health and safety risk and breach of school rules. Strenuous efforts will be made to maintain appropriate educational pathways for students involved in drug-related issues. Guidelines for Implementation: This school aims to enhance the emotional, physical and social health of all students. Wherever possible the school will inform and support families and link to student support services officers and or community service providers for counselling and treatment

LONG TERM RESPONSE	Principal in consultation with wellbeing staff and case management team needs to implement short, medium and long term responses.	Debrief staff where appropriate.	Debrief those students who may have witnessed any incident.	Offer support to parents/carers.	Discuss what information, if any needs to be shared with the whole school community.	Prepare media response if required by contacting media unit (9637 2871).	Offer employment assistance scheme to affected staff
1300 361 008. SHORT TERM RESPONSE	Investigate and document the facts	Allow time for clarification	Ensure the principal has been informed. The principal will take responsibility for informing relevant senior staff including wellbeing staff. DEALING WITH GROUPS	Approach in a non-threatening way.	Non punitive approach at this stage.	Avoid threats and ultimatums	Stay with the group.	Don’t argue.	Don’t chase (particularly with inhalant use).	Focus on most co-operative.	Involve group in problem solving action.	Consider safety for all including yourself. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE	Try to establish what substance/s has been consumed by student/s.	Attend to the safety and welfare needs of students.	Collect the facts: who, what where and how?	Try to find out method of use, where, amount, what and when?	Secure substance if possible	Ensure safe handling of substance and/or disposal of sharps.	Monitor student/s continuously	Isolate the situation from other students if possible. FOLLOW-UP ACTION Assess the impact on other
students.	Were others involved?	Are other students affected?	Contact Work Safe (132360) in case of fumes, poisons or accidents at school. Inform the
School Principal Contact
Parents / Carers IMMEDIATE FIRST AID RESPONSE Call ambulance if required (000) DRUG RELATED INCIDENT PLAN (Stay calm)

The following resources provide additional frameworks for schools and support systems for students in relation to drug issues in schools. Keeping in Touch: An intervention framework for school staff – Page 5. Developing a procedural framework – Page 7. Retention and Reintegration: Cycle of intervention – Page 5. Summary of a young person involved in a drug-related
incident - Page 8. Reintegration of students after relapse – Page 11. Preventing drug-related harm – A guide for the Student Welfare Coordinator. This resource provides a set of evidence-based guidelines and tools to assist schools and their communities to address truancy and the associated risk of problematic substance use. . CASE MANAGEMEN TEAM A case management team may comprise of a:	student welfare coordinator	member of admin team	year level co-ordinator	classroom teacher	school nurse	student support service officer	any other health professional. The case management team should:	gather and verify information	allocate tasks and roles	document information	develop a communication strategy	consider interventions	consider sanctions	monitor, evaluate and reflect. Schools should aim to have student/s returned to school and resume normal school activities as soon as possible. Careful facilitation is required. Avoid labelling a student or jumping to conclusions.	Maintain confidentiality at all times. Share only the information that needs to be shared with those who need to know.	CONTACT Emergency Management 9589 6266 If believed to be an illegal substance – Victoria Police 000 Contact your Regional Office Contact the Catholic Education Office in your Diocese Association of Independent Schools Victoria 9825 7242