Request for School Alcohol and Other Drug Education in Western Australia

The Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) seeks to prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug related harm and provide effective treatment to Western Australians. DAO is the lead government agency responsible for drug and alcohol strategy and services in Western Australia (WA). DAO provides or contracts a state-wide network of services relating to prevention, treatment, professional education and training, and coordinates and collaborates in associated research activities.

The need for an evidence based and comprehensive school alcohol and other drug education program is identified in two of the key initiatives listed in the Drug and Alcohol Interagency Strategic Framework for Western Australia 2011-2015 (Strategic Framework):

• Continue to develop and implement an appropriate school curriculum including evidence based school alcohol and other drug education and associated workforce development for teachers.
• Provide universal programs within the context of the school health promotion framework, facilitating student engagement, behaviour management and support services for young people and their parents in a school setting.

DAO is seeking to enter into a Service Agreement with a single service provider or consortia to develop, implement and evaluate a program of alcohol and other drug education in West Australian schools. The Service will also improve capacity of schools to develop and implement comprehensive, whole-school alcohol and other drug education programs; improve staff ability to develop and deliver evidence-based programs; and increase involvement of relevant services in school alcohol and other drug education initiatives.