National standards for residences offering rehabilitation programmes for people with drug, alcohol and gambling problems are expected to come into force next year.

Justice Minister Chris Said explained that the standard would improve the level of service received by the users of the different services offered by both the State and non-governmental organisations.

These standards were being set as part of the national drugs policy, he said.

There are 16 standards to be implemented and the underlying principles were dignity, privacy, the right to choose, security, the ability of a person, equality and diversity.

The standards, still in draft form and open for public consultation until December 28, were drawn up by the Department for Social Welfare Standards through a working group composed of, among others, former and current service users.

Dr Said pointed out that the State had a duty to provide services, such as those it offered through Sedqa, the national drug and alcohol abuse agency, and various NGOs, such as Caritas and Oasi.

The standards, he added, would not impinge on the autonomy of residential homes but would encourage the coordination of the different services offered by Sedqa and NGOs.

Research analyst Jeanine Vassallo explained that new standards would encourage more dialogue with service users.

They look at the service users holistically and delve into aspects of care including the ambience at the home.

Dr Said explained that the standards would be implemented over a period of time, with homes being given time to come into line with the new requirements.

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