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This Children and Young People Substance Use Policy (U&S Policy), has been produced by Nottinghamshire County Council and the Nottinghamshire DAAT Partnership. It has been consulted on and developed to be a policy for all of US. It was written in response to growing concerns about substance use amongst children and young people. Successful partnership work has also highlighted workers' concerns from various agencies about the need for shared protocols and policies, to ensure consistent and coherent messages and a minimum standard of service provision for children and young people.
Children and young people are aware of a broad range of substances from an increasingly early age. This is supported by local research and the children and young people consultation process, together with national research.
It should be remembered that alcohol, tobacco, volatile substances, prescription and over the counter medication continue to cause harm to a significant number of children and young people.
Children and young people may or may not have a wider knowledge of the "drug scene" than the adults working with them. Workers are in a unique position to positively influence the decisions and actions of children and young people. Workers are able to do this by providing accurate information, guidance and support. This enables children and young people to make informed choices and increase their knowledge of, and access to, specialist services.
This policy will promote work with all groups of children and young people irrespective of their substance using status. There is an acknowledgement that attitudes and values towards substance use will be varying and complex. Complexity can be challenging, but not insurmountable if guidelines are followed and supported by Line Managers. (Foster Carers consult their Supervising Social Worker and child's Social Worker)
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Sunday 20 May 2012
