CARAT HMP Maidstone

Who we are

The CARATS team at HMP Maidstone provide a combination of structured assessments (utilising the Drug Intervention Record - DIR), key working and group work to any sentenced (adult, male) prisoner with a history of illicit, problematic substance use. The team incorporate both Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as harm reduction techniques to promote safer practice and reduce risks of overdose.

The CARATS team work under an established confidentiality policy, which ensures the information given by clients is only used to improve the support offered. The CARATS team will only break confidentiality for the following reasons -

The CARATS team deliver a series of group work programmes - including the Motivational Enhancement and Relapse Prevention groups, as well as a number of stand alone, IDTS group sessions. IDTS sessions include Alcohol Awareness, Substance Awareness, How Crack/Cocaine Works, Harm Reduction and Relaxation (Auricualr Acupuncture). The CARATS team also refer clients to the PASRO programme and RAP-t 12 step programme in other prisons, and have established links with Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Prison Phoenix Trust to introduce weekly yoga classes.

The CARATS team are also commited to involving their clients in the development and delivery of effective drug treatment services. CARATS at HMP Maidstone operate an open door policy through which the views and opinions of clients will be listened to and acted upon where appropriate and practical.