The Alcohol & Drug Foundation NSW
About ADF NSW
To view our Strategic Plan click here
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation NSW is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation aimed at reducing the suffering associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
THE ALCOHOL & DRUG FOUNDATION NSW Operates as a charitable, not-for-profit organisation. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation NSW is funded by private donations, the Department of Health and Ageing, as well as NSW Health.
How we help
The Foundation was established in 1957 and ran the first public hospital in Australia dedicated to the treatment of alcohol abuse. It now operates Kathleen York House, a small residential service supporting women working to overcome substance dependence.
What we do
Reduce drug and alcohol-related harm by developing and delivering psycho-social treatment programs.
Encourage and conduct research into the management of harmful drug and alcohol use.
Participate in community education and forums to disseminate information and advocate for the needs of those affected by substance abuse.
Established in 1957 , the Foundation’s milestones are:
| 1957: Alcohol & Drug Foundation NSW – FOUNDED |
| 1959: Established the Langton Clinic, the first public hospital in Australia devoted exclusively to the treatment of alcoholism. |
| 1960: Convened the first National Conference on Alcoholism at the University of New South Wales |
| 1961: Influenced the Government to establish a special unit for alcoholism treatment in a NSW public hospital. This unit continued its valuable treatment until 1973 when the increase of other facilities took over. |
| 1970: Organised the 29th Annual Conference on Alcohol and Drug Dependence in Sydney, attracting delegates from 26 countries. |
| 1975: The Cyrenian House network was implemented as an alternative to the traditional institutional approach to substance abuse. This would grow to include DIGS Cyrenian in Stanmore, Marty House in Glebe, Cyrenian House in Surry Hills and Camperdown Lodge. |
| 1977: Established the Industrial Program Services which specialised in consultancy, training and counselling services through Employee Assistance programs in NSW |
| 1978: Acquired the trusteeship of The Station, a drop-in service for homeless people. |
| 1980: Cooperated in the organisation of the first Pan-Pacific Conference on Drugs and Alcohol. |
| 1981: The Station began operation of Radio Skid Row, a community welfare radio station. |
| 1986: With the national Alcohol and Drug Foundation, co-sponsored a symposium, Early Detection and Intervention for Persons with Harmful Alcohol and Drug Use, an international study under the auspices of the World Health Organisation. |
| 1991: Kathleen York House was established to cater to the needs of women suffering from substance abuse. |
| 1994: Cooperated with the Centre for Drug and Alcohol Studies and the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, to host an international conference on Biological Markers for Alcohol. |
| 2004: Established an Aftercare service to provide counselling and education to people who have completed a rehabilitation program. |
| 2006: Extended the existing program at Kathleen York House to a 24 hour program and redesigned the Cyrenian House program to reflect current community needs. |
| 2008: Extended the Aftercare program at KYH to 12 months providing supported accommodation |
| 2012: Established the Transition Programme to support women to reintegrate back into the community |
| 2012: KYH started extending clinical services to the children both residing at the campus and those living outside |
| 2014: Established the Through Care Model as a wrap around model of care |