General Referral Information

Download Referral Process

Stages of Referral

Stage 1 - Assessment/Diagnosis

Initially the Referrer will assess whether Fife Alcohol Support Service (FASS) can provide the service the client requires.

Staff may consider the following criteria before referring clients to FASS. Alcohol Quiz

 i) quantity of alcohol consumed;
 ii) behaviour associated with drinking;
 iii) previous history of intervention in drinking behaviour; 
 iv) awareness of problems associated with alcohol consumption;
 v) motivation to change behaviour.

Stage 2 - Referral to FASS

Staff may refer patients to FASS by referral form downloaded form website.  Brief details such as client’s name, address, date of birth, telephone number, employment / marital status and any relevant background information should be forwarded. 

Stage 3 – Appointment Offered 

On receiving information, FASS will contact the client outlining date, time and place of appointment and giving the Counsellor’s first name.  Background information about a client remains strictly confidential and details are retained in the FASS office in Kirkcaldy. 

Stage 4 - Initial Assessment by FASS

a) FASS will provide the first counselling session.  The session will establish the relevance of alcohol in the client’s life and whether counselling or alcohol education would be appropriate.

b) After the initial assessment FASS provides on-going counselling until such time as the client and / or counsellor feels the service is no longer required.

c) Specialist Intervention

If, after initial assessment or during ongoing counselling a client or counsellor feels that more specialist intervention is required, contact is made with the GP, Social Worker, Employer or other Agency.  At this time the client will be asked to sign a consent form authorising FASS to contact on their behalf in line with the Data Protection Act.  The client has the opportunity to see his / her case notes held by FASS.

 The client may be offered on-going counselling after discharge from hospital, if this is thought appropriate by the GP or hospital services. This will be done following discussion with the GP or other referee.  The client may also be seen by a counsellor during his / her stay in hospital.

Stage 5 - Failed Appointments

a) The client fails to attend first counselling session.

b) A further appointment is sent out.

Stage 6 – Further Appointment Offered

a) If the client fails to attend a second consecutive appointment then a letter is sent out stating that future contact may be made at the client’s discretion.  A letter informing referrer is also sent out.
 
b) Client attends appointment for Initial Assessment.

Stage 7 – Re-referral / Ongoing Counselling

a)  If appointments offered are not attended by the Client, they may be re-referred at their discretion to FASS.

b) Ongoing Counselling is Agreed 

Stage 8 - Conclusion of Counselling

Counselling contract ends.  Files updated / case closed.  On cessation of counselling, subject to client mandate, FASS evaluated outcome of counselling.