Young People's Substance Misuse Strategy

Reducing substance use is a key target in the Every Child Matters outcomes framework under 'Be Healthy'.  Every Child Matters: - Young People and Drugs (2005) highlights that more emphasis should be placed on early intervention with those most at risk, with drug misuse considered as part of the assessment, care planing and interventions by all agencies providing services for children, including schools.

The current National Drug Strategy aims to "prevent harm to children, young people and families affected by drug misuse". The new strategy will build on the successes of the past ten years, focussing more on families, addressing the needs of parents and children as individuals, as well as working with whole families to prevent drug use, reduce risk and get people into treatment.

Higher levels of alcohol and substance use are associated with a range of high risk behaviour including unprotected sex and offending. Drug and Alcohol Action Teams and Children's Services can help each other improve outcomes for young people, their families and the community, as part of an overall strategy for meeting children and young people's needs.

UPDATE (March 2010)

The Health, Personal Development and Wellbeing Team in Children's Services brings together the teenage pregnancy strategy, the young people’s drug and alcohol strategy, Healthy Schools and Personal Development Learning.    This exciting development means that we can further align our agendas contributing to the five outcomes for children and young people.  The team website now contains useful information for practitioners on drug and alcohol.  

For further information go to the website:

http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/hias/drug-and-alcohol/drug-alert.htm