DHI has developed a system of ‘informed practice’ to ensure the continuous development and improvement of services, as measured through client outcomes.

Using an evaluation tool that measures impact on individual clients across a range of socioeconomic and heath factors, alongside customer satisfaction surveys and service user feedback, DHI can evaluate the impact of its services and, in turn, target resources to develop and improve services. For example, findings consistently show that clients who were maintaining positive changes in drug and alcohol use were those who were engaged in some form of meaningful occupation at discharge. On the basis of this evidence, DHI were able to secure funds through the Information, Advice & Guidance Network to fund the position of an Advice Worker who would assist and encourage clients into education and vocational training. This system of ‘informed practice’ has resulted in DHI developing its research capabilities, enlisting support from the academic community. DHI sees the potential to consolidate this work and benefit the wider community.

Clients subjected to court orders for offending: What works best?	Crime in the community: Meeting the needs of hard-to-reach group
Calculating Risk: Bridging a theory of risk addiction with the development of a harm reduction intervention for offenders	The Value of Diversity in the Drug Treatment Sector? A Study of Values and their Contribution to Efficacious Client Outcomes