NCJ Number: 83519
Title: Religion in Action - The SANA (Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association) Hindu Aftercare (Counseling) Service - A Historical Perspective
Author(s): K V Veloo
Corporate Author: Singapore Anti-Narcotics Assoc
Date Published: Unknown
Page Count: 20
Sponsoring Agency: Singapore Anti-Narcotics Assoc
Format: Document
Language: English
Country: Singapore
Annotation: The volunteer recruitment and selection, services, and funding of the Hindu Aftercare (Counseling) Service (HAS), a program for drug addicts in Singapore, are described.
Abstract: On April 1, 1977, when the drug problem in Singapore was at its peak, the government launched an intensive program to arrest as many addicts as possible and commit them to drug rehabilitation programs for 6-9 months, with the intention of reducing the demand for illicit drugs. Following release from rehabilitation centers, 2 years of supervision is required. In an effort to strengthen this 2-year aftercare portion of the rehabilitation program, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, a voluntary organization, sought to involve the country's religious groups in the aftercare program. As one result, the HAS was formed to (1) recruit, select, and train persons as volunteer aftercare officers; (2) arrange for religious instruction and activities for drug addicts both within the rehabilitation centers and during aftercare; (3) promote preventive educational programs against drug abuse in Hindu religious groups; and (4) solicit funds for the promotion of the activities of HAS. Aftercare officers provide general assistance and counseling to clients and their families to help clients resolve practical problems and adopt attitudes and values that will preclude drug abuse. As of September 30, 1981, 113 aftercare officers were providing aftercare for 139 persons released from drug rehabilitation centers. Over a period of just over 4 years, 47.5 percent of those released from rehabilitation centers have completed their 2-year supervision without further drug abuse or criminal activities. Names of executive personnel involved in HAS from 1977-1982 are appended.
Index Term(s): Drug treatment programs; Post-release programs; Religious programs; Singapore
Note: SANA Occasional Papers, no 13
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