Back to KDAAT homepage

Home Young People Parents/Carers Professionals (DISP) Contact Feedback Links

Drug Intervention Support Programme (DISP)

This unique intervention aims to prevent young people from becoming more vulnerable to substance misuse problems by offering a viable alternative to school exclusion or prosecution through a multi-agency programme.

Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent Police have updated the Drug Intervention Support Programme (DISP) and re-tendered the programme which Grey Zebra now provide.

The programme links to the following guidance:

Every Child Matters - "Aims to protect children and maximise potential by reducing numbers who fail in education or engage in offending".

DfES - "Schools should ensure that pupils vulnerable to drug misuse are identified and receive appropriate support either from within the school or through referral to other services".

ACPO -"Seeks to prevent youngsters at risk from stepping onto the conveyor belt that can take them from minor offences to becoming persistent offenders by providing support for those who have succumbed to get them off that conveyor belt at the earliest possible stage".

Who is DISP for?

DISP is for all young people aged between 10 and 17 who have: -

1. Been involved in a drug or alcohol related incident in school or in the community.
2. Been identified as being vulnerable to a drug or alcohol problem.

HOW DOES DISP WORK?

DISP offers an alternative to permanent school exclusion or prosecution following a drug related incident by offering the following: -

1. An initial assessment with a trained young persons’ substance misuse worker.
2. A multi-agency programme providing information and guidance on drugs, health and the law.
3. An opportunity to involve parents and carers in the process.
4. A follow up meeting with further support if needed for young people, parents and carers.

If a young person successfully participates and completes the programme then police will not prosecute and schools may not permanently exclude.

WHO IS INVOLVED IN DISP?

• Kent Police
• KCC Youth & Community
• KCC Youth Offending Service
• Grey Zebra
• Kent & Medway Drug and Alcohol Action Teams

Who can refer a young person?

Schools, Police and other agencies (including Criminal Justice)

Parents and Carers

Young people can self-refer

WHAT HAPPENS on the program?

• Young Person referred to DISP
• Assessment
• One day education Programme held on Saturday. Includes information on :

• Drugs and the Law
• Health effects of drugs
• The criminal justice system
• Impact on friends and family

How can I refer?

By contacting Grey Zebra on the details below.

CONTACT DETAILS

For more information or telephone support please contact Grey Zebra

E-mail: greyzebra@kenwardtrust.org.uk
Tel: 01622 817820 or 07712 856454

back to top of page

Links Privacy Terms & Conditions Accessibility & Compliance Intervisual Software Legal Site Map