The Alcohol and other drug (AOD) program guidelines outline the Victorian Government's principles and objectives, key service delivery requirements and minimum performance and reporting standards for Victorian Government-funded AOD programs and services.
The guidelines are to be used to inform the delivery of Victorian Government-funded programs and services that aim to reduce AOD-related harm. These initiatives also contribute to the department's overall aim of improving the health and wellbeing of all Victorians.
The guidelines should also be used by Boards of Management of agencies delivering services and programs to contribute to continuous quality improvement processes and improving health outcomes for clients over time.
The AOD program guidelines are in three parts:
- Part 1 - overview outlines the broad approach the department takes in relation to prevention, harm reduction and treatment.
- Part 2 - program and service specifications outlines the service specifications for particular programs and services.
- Part 3 - quality, reporting and performance management, outlines key regulation and reporting requirements.
Background and consultation
Committing to regularly reviewing and updating the AOD program guidelines, feedback was sought from the sector prior to the department updating and releasing a refreshed version of the guidelines in September 2018.
The 2018 update followed the original release of the guidelines in April 2017 as part of the response to the Aspex Review of the recommissioning of community adult based services. The guidelines were developed following sector feedback and consultation, including input from the Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association (VAADA) and the Victorian AOD Sector Reference Group.
AOD Indirect Support Trial Guidelines
These guidelines have been updated to assist with the reporting of AOD support activity (indirect supports) for trial phase 2. AOD indirect support is defined as supports provided to/for a client without having direct contact with the client.
The second phase of the trial will enable agencies to report on the types of AOD indirect support activity provided to clients and will count towards their Drug Treatment Activity Units (DTAU) or Episode of Care (EOC). It will also provide the department with a better understanding of the amount of indirect support delivered.
Reviewed 02 May 2025