HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 2547 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 2547
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.of foar,�p To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 8, 1975
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�r�xAy Subject: ROLE OF CITY AND TCMERF DRUG ABUSE PROGRAMS
During the budget study session obi September 3, 1975, some Council members re-
quested information-regarding the roles of the City's Drug Abuse Educa-
tion program and the nature and extent of drug programs supported by
the Tarrant County Medical Education and Research Foundation.
The City of Fort Worth Drug Abuse Education program is primarily
concerned with the prevention of drug dependency, through education
and counseling of the potential users, users and the families of
both. The City program consists of the following services:
1) Operation Dial: An information hotline {924-4151) to answer
questions related to the effects- of drug use.
2) Speaker's Bureau: Presentations to school classes and other
citizens groups regarding the effects of drug use and how
to deal with drug problems.
3) Open Door: The drug abuse offices are staffed with educators
who show films, distribute literature, and personally answer
questions.
4) Rap Sessions: Open, informal discussions conducted during
the evening hours for non-users and users- who- "drop in" at
scheduled sessions.
5) Group Counseling: Small group discussions designed- specifically
to assist the drug user and parents.
6) Individual Counseling: for drug users, parents of users, and
parents who suspect drug use by their children.
The TCMERF sponsors and supports a multimodal system of treatment and
rehabilitation centers for drug abusers and troubled- youth in Tarrant
County. The program operates on an annual budget of approximately
$540,000, funded through local and federal sources.
The agency operates three community facilities in Tarrant County to
provide these services.
The Drug Treatment Center: An outpatient center-which has been
in operation since February, 1971 and provides services in
detoxification, methadone maintenance, and- drug-free therapy.
Most recent caseload figures indicate approximately 215 patients
participating in programs of individual counselling, group
counselling, and vocational training and placement when
necessary. A 19 member staff includes psychiatric, psychological,
nursing, social and clerical personnel.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS -
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.
2547 - page
0
p�101PT,� To the Mayor and Members of the City Council September 8, 1975
u
Subject' ROLE OF THE CITY AND TCMERF DRUG ABUSE PROGRAM
�•,� .
The Therapeutic Community: A residential program for drug abusers
which was established in October, 1973. The majority of the residents
are referred by the judicial system (area courts and probation offices)
and live at the Center while they are detoxified and stabilized
toward a drug-free and productive life-style. The center has a staff
of seven.
The TCMERF Youth Center: A short-term residential treatment facility
for adolescent youth (ages 10-17) with emotional and behavioral
problems. The Youth Center has a staff of 16 and has been in
operation since July 1, 1974.
Because of the nature of the drug use problem, it is often difficult to
discern when a conversation shifts from educational counseling to therapy
or treatment. The City staff makes and receives referrals from other drug
agencies. To the extent that these various agencies share a common clientele,
some duplication is inevitable. The staff will continue- to emphasize prevention
and work for a more clear delineation between- various drug agencies functions.
Should the Council desire additional information on this subject, it
will be supplied upon request.
Respectfully submitted,
R. N. Line
City Manager
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ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, 'TEXAS