About the Hertfordshire Drug Education Forum (DEF)

Background:
The DEF is a respected multi-agency group of professionals in the drugs field, representing both the public and private sectors. The group has been running successfully since 1995 and it’s members meet approximately every 2 months.

Responsibilities:
The DEF contributes to the development and co-ordination of initiatives which address the drug & alcohol educational needs of young people and their parents / carers.

The DEF also acts as an expert advisory group to the Joint Commissioning Group (JCG), the Hertfordshire Drug Partnership, and Community Safety Partnerships.

Quality:
The DEF’s work includes defining and promoting quality standards in drug education to ensure consistent and accurate messages are imparted to appropriate audiences. It disseminates relevant information to member organisations and develops links across Hertfordshire.

Good practice is promoted via county / national guidance and local initiatives such as the biannual event “Go On – Try It!” Access to good practice in training is provided by the DEF database of accredited trainers & educators.

Resources:
Members of the DEF review and recommend drug education, awareness and prevention resources for professionals working with young people. The DEF also produces local resources for young people and their parents / carers. National drug education initiatives, such as FRANK, are supported at a local level.

Training:
The DEF develop and facilitate drug & alcohol awareness seminars / conferences resulting from specific needs. In recent years these have included focuses upon cannabis, alcohol, crack, and the impact of drugs & alcohol on young people’s sexual behaviour.

Contact:
Membership of the Hertfordshire Drug Education Forum is free and requests are considered by the Chair and Project Officer. Members are required to evidence their criminal background check, sign the DEF Pledge and adhere to the DEF principles.
Current members

For further details please contact:

• Richard Boxer,
Chair of Herts Drug Education Forum
01438 844044 richard.boxer@hertscc.gov.uk

• Jane Holton,
DEF Project Officer
01438 843879 jane.holton@hertscc.gov.uk