Expression of Interest (EOI) Process to Assist with Planning for the Potential Establishment of a Central Metropolitan Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CMCADS).

⁠⁠⁠The Mental Health Commission (MHC) provides or contracts a range of treatment and support services across Western Australia (WA), many of which are located within the metropolitan area.The MHC is undertaking an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to assist with planning for the potential establishment of a Central Metropolitan Community Alcohol and Drug Service (CMCADS). Community Alcohol and Drug Services (CADS) provide non-residential treatment and support to individuals, families and significant others. CADS are free of charge and can be accessed by anyone regardless of where they live. A network of CADS exist across WA. They participate in the regional response to alcohol and drug issues in partnership with local communities, and help prevent the harms associated with use. CADS also provide services as part of the WA Diversion Program (WADP) which aims to divert offenders with AOD problems into treatment to break the cycle of offending and address their AOD use.

Metropolitan CADS are required to operate as ‘integrated services’ which are delivered through a partnership between Next Step and a non-government partner.  Next Step is the clinical services directorate of MHC which provides assessment and treatment services for people experiencing problems associated with their AOD use and support for their families. The integrated services also work collaboratively with St John of God’s Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Network (DAWN).

The integrated services, which provide medical and counselling services from a single site, have a single entry point into the service; integrated models of assessment; active management of waiting lists; collaborative case management and team review processes; and effective client centred treatment matching.