DASA has been delivering drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs to Alice Springs and Central Australia for over thirty years. We are a growing organisation with a team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff across each of its branches. A range of services are offered to provide rehabilitation from misuse or dependency on alcohol and other drugs, and education to the broader community.
Vision
A healthy and safe community in Central Australia without the harmful effects of substance misuse.
DASA is prepared and is responsive to the changing needs of the community.
Mission
DASA walks beside people in our community to help free them from the effects of alcohol and other drug addictions by:
- Providing client driven care from crisis to independent living
- Teaching clients skills for life and making positive life choices
- Advocating for and on behalf of clients
- Providing supported residential services for clients
- Delivering preventative and continuing education
- Delivering therapeutic interventions
- Supporting people through outreach services.
Principles
The following principles guide the work that we do:
1. Client access and equity is a focus for DASA. It is acknowledged that DASA supports anyone working, unemployed, Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal regardless of (dis)ability, culture and sexual orientation. DASA is aware of and responds to the changing cultural diversity in Alice Springs and its surrounds.
2. DASA recognises the individual’s right to self-determination and decision-making. DASA also recognises the responsibility of society to provide an environment where personal development towards a better lifestyle is supported and valued.
3. DASA service delivery is based on the Therapeutic Community Model. This model places the client at the centre of their decision making.
4. DASA follows the harm minimisation model whereby people set their own healing goals. Clients are supported to develop a management plan that includes a range of meaningful goals which moves from managed and safe use through to abstinence.
5. DASA recognises the importance of an integrated service and highly values the contribution and partnerships it has with other service delivery organisations.
6. DASA is responsive to the changing environment and community needs. Service delivery is based on our own evidence as well as that of relevant organisations. DASA implements evidenced based best practice which is developed with local communities. Current areas of demand include: women with children; emerging drug trends, outreach and increased need for services as they arise.
7. DASA focuses on quality continuous improvement by maintaining accreditations against National Standards. We improve our programs with client feedback and relevant data, and invest in the professional development of staff.
8. DASA invests in training and development of its Board, staff and volunteers.
Key Result Areas
Three overarching key result areas were identified as a focus for the 2020-2024 strategic plan. These are:
- Consolidate and continue to deliver best practice client centred services
- Growing the service to respond to identified and emerging needs
- Building a strong organisation that is sustainable and effective into the future.
DASA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Arrernte people of Central Australia.