NCJ Number
115762
Journal
International Journal of the Addictions Volume: 23 Issue: 10 Dated: (1988) Pages: 1041-1056
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
As one in a series reporting on the Drug Agencies Information Gathering Exercise (DAIGE), this study examines funding and organizational management within voluntary drug agencies in London.
Abstract
The 25 agencies studied were 3 street agencies, providing drop-in/immediate service; 6 advice and information agencies, offering advice and counseling; 13 residential rehabilitation houses, providing accommodation; and 3 self-help groups based on the mutual aid philosophy. Program documents were studied, including annual reports, staff reports, agency leaflets, and policy statements. Data obtained included reporting by staff and research observations in six areas: evolution of services, staff and agency maintenance, provision of clients, costs and funding, service network and gaps, and client contact in a given week. Findings indicate the agencies rely on a fragile combination of local and central government funding and exist under the constant threat of financial collapse. Twenty-two agencies reported they had a director/coordinator and 18 reported they had a management committee. Statutory funding is a possibility if the agencies are willing to seek such funding collectively. It would require, however, that the agencies act less independently and establish management structures that can render suitable accountability to funding sources. 4 tables, 7 figures, 7 references.