Children and young people's scrutiny panel - June 2007

Press release - 12 June 2007

This month's meeting of Shropshire County Council's Children and Young People’s Scrutiny panel will focus on the theme of ‘Be Healthy’. One of the reports being considered will cover the specialist drug treatment and support available for young people in Shropshire.

The report highlights the services provided to young people and their family members.

Jean Jones, Vice Chair of the Children and Young People’s scrutiny panel said: “Shropshire has a high performing and successful Young People’s Substance Misuse Team. The team ensures excellent advice and treatment is provided to young people with varying levels of substance misuse needs across the county."

She added: “A great deal of work has taken place over the last 12 months to establish new services in response to local need."

Young people’s substance misuse workers provide a range of services. Where young people are in need of specialist drug treatment and support, workers carry out an assessment and work with each young person to implement measures to reduce harm and develop improved opportunities. Work may take place with a range of other Children and Young People’s services such as education and training.

The panel will also hear about a Children and Young People’s Support Worker appointed to work with young people whose parents use drugs and/or alcohol. Although only in post since January the worker has already produced significant results thanks to the involvement of Shropshire’s adult Community Substance Misuse Team.

In just over six months the benefits of providing family support are also being realised. The parents/carers of young people who misuse substances are offered assistance. This has, in many cases, helped to rebuild relationships within the family and prevent risks associated with substance misuse such as homelessness.

Jean Jones has welcomed the report and comments: “It is clear that a great deal of work is taking place in Shropshire to prevent the harm drug use can cause among young people. It is important that this work continues in the long term to provide the best possible futures for our young people.”

ENDS