We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following areas of good practice:

• The service had enough staff to care for the number of clients and their level of need. Staff knew and put into practice the service’s values, and they knew and had contact with managers at all levels.

• Client risk assessments were completed, monitored and managed at regular intervals prior to and during treatment.

• Staff were up to date with all mandatory training. Managers encouraged staff to attend specialist internal and external training to increase staff’s knowledge and understanding of substance misuse.

• Clients in vulnerable circumstances were identified and supported appropriately. This included clients who were victims of domestic abuse. The service had links to domestic abuse support services and supported clients to engage in the support available.

• Housing needs were considered throughout the treatment process. The service employed a housing support worker. Clients were supported to access appropriate housing to meet their short and long term needs.

• Clients felt they were fully involved in their care. Copies of recovery plans had been offered to clients and client records demonstrated collaborative working.

• The service planned and delivered treatment in a way that met the changing needs of clients, commissioners and the local population. A new day service had been developed. This meant that clients unable to attend residential settings could access substance misuse rehabilitation within their local area.

However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• There were blanket restrictions in place that were not reviewed individually or at regular intervals. This was not in keeping with the recovery model and did not prepare clients for their discharge to the community.

• Recovery plans were not completed in a timely manner. This meant that client’s recovery plans were not clear at the beginning of the treatment pathway.