What help and support can a criminal justice worker provide for this service user?

Question

Karen is 33 a drug user on 100ml methadone a day. She is in danger of being breached at next court appearance as she has missed appointments with drug councellor and has tested positive 2 times out of eight. In the past she has used prostitution to fund her habit and still returns to the street to work if in financial crisis. She has a 5 year old in foster care and sees her 3 times a year. Karen is in poor health due to heavy drug abuse in the past and is on antidepressants

Answer 1

Poor health....yeah, I would say so!Heroin,methadone and antidepressants?....Geez it's a wonder she can function at all. While you should be applauded for your concern...where is her social worker?

She sounds like she needs to be in a residental treatment program or a half way house for recovering addicts....an addict will NEVER get better until they themselves have made the choice to get clean...period!...and if they do make that choice..it's a long and difficult road....they require alot of support...I would assume there are programs for that in your area.


Goodluck.

Answer 2

I'm afraid, from what you've said, that Karen IS and WILL REMAIN a drug addict. The ONLY thing that MIGHT help is an enforced long-term stay in a facility that offers drug abuse counseling - not just a prison.
If "using" is more important than her child-I wouldn't hold out much hope.
Good Luck.

Answer 3

the drug counsellor can find a simple , example typing, job for her to do at home while she recovers for the next several years.

karen can be allowed to call her child 2 or 3 times per week as deemed fit on the phone or internet video phone provided by the court in the court or an appropriate place.

good luck to her and other patients!

mercury of love