Assessing Harm Minimisation Strategies

This assignment assesses students' ability to understand and apply harm minimisation strategies in the context of alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The assessment consists of five questions that require students to explain the three pillars of harm minimisation, identify aspects of current drug policy, develop a strategy to achieve each pillar as if it were a goal, research the three pillars of harm minimisation, and write an explanation of each in their own words. The assignment requires students to demonstrate their understanding of harm minimisation strategies and apply them in a practical scenario.

Written Assessment – Case Study
1. Background/Overview
Alcohol and other drugs (AOD) work forms part of Youth Work. It
operates within a social, political, economic and legal framework
that impacts on Youth Work policies and practices. It is therefore
important that Youth Workers have a broad understanding of the
complexities involved in AOD treatment and an understanding of
the historical and social constructs that have influenced the
development of both AOD policy and approaches to treatment
over time.
The philosophical underpinnings and practice values of the AOD
sector are fundamental to Youth Work practice and includes the
importance of workers being able to apply specific principles such
as client’s rights and guaranteeing access and equity, among
others. It is also important for youth workers to demonstrate their
ability to apply a person-centred, (also known as a ‘client-
centred’), approach which reflects the practice values of the
sector.
2. Brief
In this assessment there is a case study involving a realistic
scenario that you could witness or be a part of while working in an
AOD Youth Work setting. You are required to demonstrate your
ability to apply theoretical knowledge and relevant skills to the
case study, based on your learning so far.
This assessment requires you to show an understanding of
different models and approaches to treatment and you will be
required to demonstrate how your values align with the practice
values of the AOD Youth Work sector. You will also be required to
show an understanding of the role of a case worker in an AOD
Youth Work setting and show how you would apply a person-
centred approach.
Deliverables
Please submit this assessment
in Word doc format.
To do list:
1. Write your
name and student ID
in the spaces provided
at the top of this page.
2. Read the
background/overview and
brief sections of this
document.
3. Complete all 5
questions, all of which have
multiple parts.
4. Read the scenarios that
form part of each case
study and answer the
questions that follow each
part.
5. Pay attention to the
word count indicators.
These are guidelines and
you can present your
answers in bullet points or
paragraphs.
6. Save the Word
document using the naming
convention: your student ID
number_assessment
number.doc. For example:
“12345678_31135.doc.”
7. Upload your document
in Open Space using the
relevant Assessment
Upload link in this Module
3. Activities

Case Study
Scenario
Liz is a 44-year old ex-nurse who has recently re-entered the workforce after a
12-year break. She’s now a part-time case worker at her local Community Youth
Centre and she specialises in working with young people who have alcohol and
other drug (AOD) issues.
Today Evan, Liz’s supervisor, has asked her to meet with Helena who is a new
case worker and a recent graduate. Evan has asked Liz to brief Helena on a new
client who has come to the service for support. The new client is Cory, a 22-year-
old male. According to his file notes, Cory has tried a number of different
interventions to reduce harm from his alcohol use over the years and he has
recently successfully completed a detox and rehab program.
Even though Cory is only 22, he has already had periods in his life where he has
been alcohol dependent. These periods have coincided with events in which he
has experienced significant losses and trauma. Cory lost his mother to cancer
when he was 7 years old. Two years later his big brother, Tom, was killed in a car
accident. Following these events Cory was diagnosed with depression. He was
also ‘self-medicating’ with alcohol to cope with the feelings of loss and the
loneliness he was experiencing.
Cory was referred to a grief counsellor to address these issues and he feels they
were major factors in his depression and his inability to control his drinking. He is
now looking forward to getting his life back on-track. Currently, he has a very
supportive partner in and he enjoys spending time with a few close friends. He
also has a job and has stated that he doesn’t want to stop drinking completely.
His file notes say that he is coming to the Community Youth Centre because he
would like support to help him moderate his drinking.
During the briefing session, Helena argues passionately with Liz. She states that
Cory should be abstaining from alcohol altogether and attend AA (Alcoholics
Anonymous) meetings. Liz explains to Helena that according to his file, Cory has
had long periods in his life where he has controlled his drinking very
successfully. This Harm Minimisation approach aligns with their organisation’s
policies and it is considered a more realistic approach than abstinence. Given
Cory’s age and experiences so far, his file notes state that he should be
supported in learning how to control his drinking rather than trying to never
drink alcohol again.

Based on the scenario above, answer the following questions.
Question 1.
a) Identify the two different ‘models’ being discussed by Liz and Helena and provide a brief
explanation of each. (Approx. 100 words for each model)
Model Explanation of the model
Model 1
Model 2
Scenario (continued)
Liz suggests to Helena that they have a morning tea break and then come back
together to talk further. During the tea break Liz considers what she might say to
Helena to convey the importance of promoting the policies and values of their
organisation. She knows that Helena has gone through an induction process and
been given the Code of Conduct and other relevant information, so she wonders
why Helena is so adamant in promoting her own views about what Cory should
do. She wonders if Helena will be able to step back from her own judgements
when she is working with clients.
b) Identify Cory’s rights in this scenario. Refer to your understanding of ‘client’s rights’ from the
learning material and your work practice to inform your answer. (Use bullet points)
Cory’s rights in this scenario:

Question 1 (continued).
c) Provide an explanation outlining what Liz could say to Helena to convey:
(i) the practice values and philosophy of the AOD Youth Work sector? (Approx. 150 words)
and
(ii) the key purpose and benefits of using a person-centred (client-centred) approach? (Approx. 150
words)
Draw on your understanding of these ideas from your own work practice and/or from the learning material to
explain the following:
(i) The practice values and philosophy of the AOD Youth Work sector
AOD Youth Work sector follows practice values and philosophies that drug and alcohol usage is wrong and
antisocial. Even though there are cultures that accept utilisation of such substances, these people are considered
to be morally weak. An individual that is dependant or addicted to alcohol or drugs are victims and it is the duty
of AOD Youth Work sector, to provide such persons with correct treatments, so that they are free from any sort
of addiction (Alford and et.al., 2016). Another value is empowerment, as workers in this sector give patients an
insight of how they can control their lives to minimise the usage of drugs and alcohol. Everyone is treated with
equity and are provided with the same services regardless of any factors. AOD Youth Work sector has the
philosophy of listening and understanding to patients so that they are familiar with their culture. This helps in
giving a proper treatment to them, overall.
(ii) The key purpose and benefits of using a person-centred (client-centred) approach
Person or client centred approach in AOD Youth Work sector's key purpose is to respect their values and
preferences while giving them care. It ensures that there is coordination and proper communication between the
care provider and patient It also provides emotional support and physical comfort. This approach involves family
members and friends, so that they can help in effectively treating patients as well as make sure that they
continue to use their services (Freeth, 2017). Moreover, it ensures that individual that suffer from substance,
drug or alcohol abuse, are given appropriate care especially when they require it. The benefits of this approach
include meeting patient's needs and expectations, making improvements in clinical outcomes and aid individuals
in being more active, so that they can look after themselves (Gupta and Taff, 2015). It also lets patients take
different decisions about the health care they are offered and furthermore, it increases the morale of staff which
helps them in understanding and properly treating each patient while keeping in mind their culture.

Scenario (continued)
Liz is sitting in the lunch room later that day and reflecting on her interactions with Helena.
She remembers her nursing days back in the hospital and the attitudes and judgements
that were made by some of the staff when patients consistently presented in an intoxicated
state. She thinks about how far she has come and how much her attitudes have changed in
the short time he has been working with young people in an AOD setting.
Question 2.
Recognising that we are all influenced by the values and beliefs we grew up with, how might your own
experiences or values impact on your work with young clients who are experiencing AOD related issues?
Remember, being aware of our own biases in AOD related Youth Work and developing self-awareness
improves our ability to work with vulnerable young clients effectively and without judgement.
Reflect on the questions below and answer them as honestly as you can.
a) How might your own values/experiences impact your work? (100 - 150 words)
Being a nurse, I always believed that it is important to certain values while working as they define your
personality. I treat all my patients with respect and equality regardless of their illnesses. I have been taught that
every individual is different and this must be acknowledged so that I am able to learn about their culture. I do not
share confidential information with other workers, or people from outside work. This would be unethical and
show disloyalty towards patients (Jiménez-López and et.al., 2016). Finally, I always communicate in a clear and
appropriate manner, which has enabled me in taking correct decisions about my patients.
b) How can you can ensure that your practice reflects the core values of the AOD Youth Work sector? (100 - 150
words)
AOD Youth Work sector has values that provide patients with correct treatment, empowerment and

understanding their illnesses (Jiménez-López and et.al., 2016). I, as a nurse can ensure that my practices of
ethics will allow me to treat individuals with respect, so that they feel happy and safe under my services. This will
also enable me, to provide them with empowerment. I listen to my patients so that I am able to understand their
problems as well as the culture in which they live. Moreover, I can give them a sense of independence, so that
they are able to take proper control over their life.
Scenario (continued)
Liz consults with Evan, her Supervisor, about the issues with Helena’s thinking and they
decide the best approach is for Liz to mentor Helena, ‘modelling’ their organisation’s values
for Helena to learn from. Evan has also suggested that, with Cory’s permission, Helena sits
in on Cory’s next appointment with Liz. This way Helena can observe how Liz approaches
her working relationship with Cory. Evan has also suggested to Liz that she discusses the
situation with Helena beforehand so she understands the purpose of sitting in on the
session.
Question 3.
Briefly describe 5 specific strategies that Liz would discuss with Helena and might use when working with
Cory that show consideration of his rights, his values and his treatment choices. Your responses need to
reflect a person-centred (client-centred) approach and take into account Liz and Helena’s roles as case
workers within the AOD Youth Work context e.g. the relevance of the Harm Minimisation approach, stages of
change etc. (Approx. 150 words each)
Strategy 1)
Congruence in Counselling :- another name of congruence is genuineness, according to Rogers. This strategy
can allow Liz and Halena to experience Cory as he really is.
Strategy 2)
Unconditional positive regard :- according to this strategy, it is believed that to treat patients & meet their

potential, it is necessary they are valued as themselves. This strategy will allow Liz to show Cory a deep and
genuine care for him (Durocher, Kinsella and Hunt, 2015).
Strategy 3)
Empathy :- it refers to the care worker's ability to understand patient's feelings. This will enable Liz and
Helena to accurately understand Cory's experiences.
Strategy 4)
Act as a sounding board :- this is considered a very useful strategy. This is about listening carefully what the
patient is saying, as this will allow both of them to explain him what they think & therefore help them to
clarify his point of view.
Strategy 5)
Don't be judgemental :- it is essential for both Liz & Helena, that they do not judge Cory and his way of
thinking as he might feel rejected & disapproved (Bertilsson, Eriksson and Johansson, 2016).
Scenario (continued)
During his first session with Liz and Helena, Cory decided that he would like to continue
with face-to-face support on a fortnightly basis, or until he feels confident he is in control of
his drinking. He demonstrates that he has a clear understanding of safe and harmful levels
of alcohol use and now feels that he has the tools and strategies he needs to moderate his
alcohol use. He also feels supported in his goals and is aware of the triggers/signs he needs
to be mindful of.

Following the session, Liz asks Helena whether she still thinks Cory should take an
abstinence approach to his alcohol issues. Helena says that now she has met Cory and
understands his situation better, she can see how controlled drinking might be an
appropriate option for him and acknowledges that she might have been too rigid in her
view during their earlier discussion. However, she still believes that controlled drinking is
not for everyone as, from her experience, people with any form of AOD dependence need
to have complete abstinence as a treatment goal.
To help Helena see ‘the bigger picture’ of AOD in Youth Work and how and why Harm
Minimisation is current policy at their workplace, Evan asks Helena to complete some
research.
As noted in the learning materials for this Module, there has been considerable political
and media focus on the drug known as ‘Ice’. Using the articles below, (and any other
sources you feel are appropriate), conduct some research and then answer the questions
below. Please reference your work and use your own words.
The Conversation. 2015. Are we in the middle of an Ice epidemic? A snapshot of meth use in Australia.
[ONLINE] Available at: http://theconversation.com/are-we-in-the-midst-of-an-ice-epidemic-a-
snapshot-of-meth-use-in-australia-39697. [Accessed 24 August, 2016].
The Age. 2015. Don't panic the Ice pandemic is a myth. [ONLINE] Available
at:http://www.theage.com.au/comment/dont-panic-the-ice-pandemic-is-a-myth-20150515-gh2plm.html.
[Accessed 24 August, 2016].
ABC News. 2015. Ice 'epidemic': Prime Minister Tony Abbott announces task force to tackle crystal meth
'menace'. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-08/tony-abbott-announces-war-on-drug-
ice/6376492. [Accessed 24 August, 2016].
Question 4.
a) Summarise the main arguments being made in the each of the 3 articles. (Approx. 150 words total)
1. In first article, a task-force was launched by Prime Minister to tackle the increasing issue of Ice. It also
demonstrated the changing use of Methamphetamine drug which result in growing harms & related
crimes. Therefore, there has been significant shift in this drug and given rise to significant issue for users

(Guidetti, Ranner and Von Koch, 2015).
2. In second article, has shown the increase in the Amphetamine arrests which is considered the highest
among drug users. Moreover, it is discovered that government don't make good decisions when they are
scared of the use of Half truths by all ice users in Australia.
3. In third article, a national ice action strategy will be developed by the in-charge of local, state & federal
group. It also mentioned that the ice is much more addictive than any other illicit drug. Moreover, ice users
are mostly involved in criminal activities (Fitzgerald, 2015).
b) Consider your own experience of the media in relation to Ice-use in Australia. How do you see their
role and influence on public opinion? (Approx. 150 words)
According to my experience, media coverage regarding Ice- use in Australia has created
unnecessary fear among public and that fear creates stigma. Media demonstrate its causes in
such a way that builds a negative image that impact people's opinion in relation to ice drug users.
Recently media published that 5% of public had used ice but when I research I found that 1% had
used it in past year (Chalmers, Lancaster and Hughes, 2016). This proves that, media instead of
spreading correct news on this topic of ice use, it rather misleads & play with people's trust.
I have noticed that these advertisements which develop unnecessary fear among public only
worsen the problems. This is because , when these scary messages are shown to those people at
the higher risk get more interest in taking it. Therefore, it is suggested that media should
demonstrate their vies in such a way that create positivity among public.
c) What aspects of current drug policy can you identify in these 3 articles? Consider supply reduction,
demand reduction and harm reduction in your response. (Approx. 150 words)
1. In first article Tony Abbott launched a task force to deal with a problem of increasing use
of ice drug. According to harm reduction principle i.e. to reduce harmful consequences of
usage of drug, in Australia arrests for Methamphetamine related crimes have been raised
which showed positive results.
2. In article second, as per supply reduction policy of drugs, in Australia use of Amphetamine
is now stable & also its demand across the population has also gone down, stated Justice
Minister. Therefore, this means that more drug users & less drugs suppliers.
3. In third article which is based on supply reduction of drugs, as Former Victorian Police
commissioner and group made efforts against the use, manufacture, sale and import of
the drugs (Scott, , Caulkins and Dietze, 2015).
d) What is your personal view in relation to Ice-use in relation to the points raised in the articles?
(Approx. 150 words)

Based on the articles I have read, I think government in Australia is adopting various strategies,
approaches and undertaking necessary actions to stop or reduce Ice use. Mr. Abbott has taken
very seriously the death of sailors due to intake of ice. The Australian government have decided
to take actions in which the community also plays a key role and support government in new task
force. However, I have also read that politicians unable to take right decisions when they are
scared. This gave rise to have a rational appraisal of the amphetamine issue, instead of panic
about ice pandemic. Apart from this after reading these articles I discovered that, people who
use drugs more than once in a month are more likely to face harm from regular use. Therefore,
as per my opinion I think that government need to be more serious to tackle these major issue of
ice drug.
Scenario (continued)
Evan, Liz and Helena’s supervisor, explains to Helena that a key element underpinning
current drug policy in Australia is the principle of Harm Minimisation. Specifically, the
three pillars of 1. Supply reduction, 2. Demand reduction and 3. Harm reduction.
Question 5.
Research these 3 terms and write a short explanation of each of them in your own words. Then, treat each
one as a ‘goal’ and write an example of a strategy to achieve it. Reference where appropriate. (Approx. 150
words per term in total)
Term Definition and strategy
Supply reduction
Supply reduction is an approach to control drug usage by enforcing to
reduce the supply of drugs reaching to communities. The goal is to
work together and discard illicit drugs by reducing supply. For
example, destroying of crops from where illicit drugs obtain, can be
very useful to achieve this goal (Roche and McEntee, 2017).
Demand reduction
It refers to measures taken to prevent drug users from taking illicit
drugs i.e. to reduce the demand for using drugs. The goal is to manage
drug withdrawal with the aim of long term abstinence. For example, to
achieve this goal, proper drug education programs can be provided to
general community, & specially young people to aware them about its
causes.

Harm reduction
It refers to decreasing the dangerous consequence such as; blood
disease, HIV, Hepatitis, etc. that occur due to intake of drugs. The aim
is to motivate drug users to head towards reduction of harm & make
their health better. For example, programs like drug substitution or
outreach can be very effective in achieving this goal (Nathan, Bethmont
and Hayen, 2016).

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alford, D.P. and et.al., 2016. Primary care patients with drug use report chronic pain and self-medicate with alcohol
and other drugs. Journal of general internal medicine. 31(5). pp.486-491.
Bertilsson, A.S., Eriksson, G. and Johansson, U., 2016. A cluster randomized controlled trial of a client-centred,
activities of daily living intervention for people with stroke: One year follow-up of caregivers. Clinical
rehabilitation. 30(8). pp.765-775.
Chalmers, J., Lancaster, K. and Hughes, C., 2016. The stigmatisation of ‘ice’and under-reporting of meth/amphetamine
use in general population surveys: a case study from Australia. International Journal of Drug Policy. 36. pp.15-
24.
Durocher, E., Kinsella, E.A. and Hunt, M., 2015. Contradictions in client-centred discharge planning: through the lens of
relational autonomy. Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy. 22(4). pp.293-301.
Freeth, R., 2017. Humanising psychiatry and mental health care: the challenge of the person-centred approach. CRC
Press.
Guidetti, S., Ranner, M. and Von Koch, L., 2015. A “client-centred activities of daily living” intervention for persons with
stroke: One-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of rehabilitation medicine. 47(7). pp.605-
611.
Gupta, J. and Taff, S.D., 2015. The illusion of client-centred practice. Scandinavian journal of occupational therapy.
22(4). pp.244-251.
Jiménez-López, F.R. and et.al., 2016. Values in nursing students and professionals: An exploratory comparative study.
Nursing ethics. 23(1). pp.79-91.
Nathan, S., Bethmont, A. and Hayen, A., 2016. Trends in drug use among adolescents admitted to residential
treatment in Australia. The Medical Journal of Australia. 204(4). pp.149-150.
Roche, A. and McEntee, A., 2017. Ice and the outback: Patterns and prevalence of methamphetamine use in rural
Australia. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 25(4). pp.200-209.
Scott, N., Caulkins, J.P. and Dietze, P., 2015. High frequency drug purity and price series as tools for explaining drug‐
trends and harms in Victoria, Australia. Addiction. 110(1). pp.120-128.
Online
Fitzgerald, J., 2015. Don't panic : the 'ice pandemic' is a myth. [Online]. Available on:
<https://www.theage.com.au/opinion/dont-panic-the-ice-pandemic-is-a-myth-20150515-
gh2plm.html>

4. Assessment Rubric
Below is a rubric that determines whether your answers and knowledge is satisfactory or unsatisfactory.
To be deemed satisfactory, and to pass the assessment, you must complete the requirements for the column
that is titled ‘satisfactory’.
It is advisable to read the rubric for the question you are answering to determine if you have fully answered
the question to the correct standard.
Criteria Satisfactory
The student answers the question within,
or under, the word limit.
Not yet satisfactory
The student exceeds the word
limit.
Case Study 1
Question 1:
Communicates
understanding of AOD
context including examples
of evidence based models
and frameworks for AOD
practice. Identifies practice
values and principles
relating to client’s rights,
the ability to apply the
philosophy and core values
of the AOD sector and
utilise the person-centred
approach in practice.
(a) The student accurately identifies the
relevant models and provides clear
explanations of each one. (e.g. Controlled
drinking versus Abstinence) and their
explanation reflects an understanding of
the Public Health Model/Harm
Minimisation and Disease Model
approaches.
(b) The student demonstrates an
understanding of clients’ rights through
the use of relevant examples that reflect
the practice principles of the sector.
(c) The student is able to clearly explain
the practice values of the Youth Work
sector in relation to AOD issues and the
benefits of using a person-centred
approach.
(a) The student does not
accurately identify the relevant
models and/or provides clear
explanations of each one.
(b) The student does not
adequately demonstrate an
understanding of clients’ rights
through the use of relevant
examples that reflect the
practice principles of the
sector.
(c) The student is not able to
clearly explain the practice
values of the Youth Work
sector in relation to AOD issues
and the benefits of using a
person-centred approach.
Question 2:
Integrates the core values
and principles of AOD work
into their own practice and
understands the impact that
biases and values can have
on practice.
(a) The student provides relevant
examples of AOD sector values and shows
their ability to reflect on their own values
and experiences and how these align or
contradict the values and the philosophy
of the AOD sector.
(b) The student demonstrates self-
awareness by identifying the impact their
own values may have on their work with
clients and what they can do to ensure
(a) The student does not
provide sufficient information
to demonstrate an appropriate
understanding of sector values
or how their own values may
impact their work with clients.
(b) The student does not
provide sufficient information
to demonstrate they have
identified appropriate options

their work practice reflects the
appropriate codes of conduct and
standards e.g. training, supervision,
reflection.
to ensure their work meets
required standards.
Question 3:
Integrates and applies
understanding of specific
AOD contexts using
evidence-based practice.
Includes consideration of
clients values and treatment
choices, application of Harm
Minimisation strategies and
recognition of stages of
change model.
The student provides clear examples of
appropriate strategies to assist the client
to identify and prioritise their needs and
achieve their goals. The strategies reflect
the student’s ability to understand and
apply evidence-based models in AOD
Youth Work practice.
The student does not provide
sufficient information to
demonstrate an understanding
of evidence-based models in
AOD Youth Work practice.
Question 4.
Summarise the main
arguments being made in
each of the 3 Ice-related
articles. Consider the
media’s role in influencing
public opinion about AOD
issues. Identify aspects of
drug policy in relation to
Harm Minimisation and
reflect on and express own
views on the above issues.
(a) The student is able to accurately
summarise the main arguments
presented.
(b) They are able to explain the media’s
role in the ‘court of public opinion’ in
relation to AOD issues.
(c) They are able to correctly identify the
aspects of current drug policy within the
articles in relation to the 3 pillars of Harm
Minimisation
(d) The student is able to clearly articulate
their own views in relation to the issues
raised in the articles.
(a) Student is not able to
accurately summarise the main
arguments presented.
(b) They students is not able to
explain the media’s role in
shaping public opinion.
(c) The student is not able to
correctly identify aspects of
current drug policy within the
articles in relation to the 3
pillars of Harm minimisation.
(d) The student is not able to
clearly articulate their own
views in relation to the issues
raised in the articles.
Question 5.
Research the 3 Pillars of
Harm Minimisation 1.
Supply reduction, 2.
Demand reduction and 3.
Harm Minimisation writing
an explanation of each in
your own words. Then,
develop a strategy to
achieve each of one as if it
was a ‘goal’.
The student was able to accurately explain
what each of the 3 Pillars of Harm
Minimisation means in their own words.
They were also able to treat each pillar as
a ‘goal’ and were able to develop a
strategy to achieve each one.
The student was not able to
accurately explain what each of
the 3 Pillars of Harm
Minimisation means in their
own words. And/or they were
not able to treating each pillar
as a ‘goal’ and develop a
strategy to achieve them.

Overall assessment
requirements
Word counts As per tasks. As per tasks.
Plagiarism All the student’s work is original and
sourced where appropriate.
All the student’s work is not
original and/or
inappropriately sourced.
Referencing Appropriate referencing conventions
are used.
Sources are not referenced.
Inappropriate referencing
conventions are used.
5. Unit of Competency
This assessment meets the following unit of competency:
CHCAOD001 Work in an alcohol and other drugs context
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