What is a "No Wrong Door"?
Services linked to this site operate under a "no wrong door" philosophy. This philosophy formally recognizes that individuals with a dual diagnosis may enter a range of community service sites; that they are a high priority for engagement and that proactive efforts are necessary to welcome them into treatment. Each individual needing treatment will be identified and assessed and will receive treatment, either directly or through appropriate referral, no matter where he or she enters the realm of services. (Croton G, 2006,; CSAT 2000a)
Background
Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Services , Mental Health and Primary Care Services in the rural North East Victorian have long supported the need for the development of a single multi-agency protocol for clients with dual diagnosis issues with relevant guidelines for practice between all local agencies who deliver mental health and/or drug & alcohol services to the community.
Ovens & King Community Health Service initiated "Paving the Way – No Wrong Door project" in 2005 in response to the challenges of building sustainable relationships across the service sector. Many of the services present would have heard about this protocol.
The protocol was signed off and launched on the 8th of November 2006.
The protocol provides an endorsed platform upon which eleven participating organisations committed to embed a cultural shift . Building agencies to be "dual diagnosis capable" and improving the service system experience for the client, will ultimately build the vision required to make the concept of 'no wrong door' a reality.
In 2008, Ovens & King Community Health Service were funded by the Department of Health & Ageing, Improved Services for people with drug & alcohol problems and mental illness initiative – capacity building grants. 2008-2010 to extend the project across the Hume Health Region and broaden its application and suitability for all agencies.
