CCSA is working with partners across Canada to implement the recommendations to improve treatment for substance use found in A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada: Recommendations for a National Treatment Strategy. This report presents the Tiered Model of Services and Supports; in this model, tiers represent logical groupings of services and supports according to a number of characteristics, not a hierarchy of services or clients (for example, there is no such thing as a ‘Tier 4 client’ or a ‘Tier 1 service’).
The focus of the Tiered Model is on building partnerships and taking a client-centred approach. It recognizes that most people with substance use problems can be reached at the community level and that they should also have the opportunity to access more or less intensive services, as appropriate, over time.
The guiding concepts of the Tiered Model are:
- No wrong door—An individual seeking treatment can access the full continuum by entry at any level and be linked to those services and supports that fit his or her needs.
- Availability and accessibility—Services and supports are available and accessible within a reasonable distance and travel time.
- Matching—Services and supports are matched to an individual’s needs and strengths.
- Choice and eligibility—An individual may select among options should there be more than one available that meets his or her needs.
- Flexibility—An individual should be moved upward or downward through the tiers as needed.
- Responsiveness—Effective treatment should ultimately help individuals to move to lower tiers as their needs change.
- Collaboration—There should be collaboration between all levels of those working in services and supports to ensure quality treatment and facilitate the individual’s journey through the tiers.
- Coordination—There should be easy sharing of information between systems.
To translate the broad concepts of the Tiered Model into concrete steps that are relevant to our colleagues at the local level, CCSA is developing a web-based Systems Approach workbook. Consultations are currently underway across Canada to determine improvements to the workbook before it is released. Stay tuned to CNSAAP for more information on how you can provide your input!
More information on A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada, including summary reports, is available on CCSA’s Treatment page.