Programmes > Substance Misuse Work at Kirklees YOT
Kirklees YOT recognises the high levels of alcohol
and other drug use and misuse among young offenders
and the relationship this behaviour may have to both
mental/physical health and patterns of offending and
re-offending.
There are currently 2 substance misuse workers
seconded from lifeline young people’s service. Both
are funded by the Youth Justice Board covering the
district of Kirklees.
Huddersfield |
Dewsbury |
Click here to see location maps
A Typical Working Day
09.00- Arrive at YOT – Check emails and post
10.00 – Caseload meeting – Discuss YP with health worker/education/YOT officers
11.30 – Home visit to Heckmondwike to assess Y.P
13.00 – Lunch
14.00 – YOI visit to wetherby for final release plan meeting with Y.P
16.00 – Record all YP appointments on YOIS and write up case notes for Y.P confidential file
Most young people that are referred for Substance misuse intervention are categorized based upon the ACE profile, meaning that they fall within the use of alcohol, cannabis or/and ecstasy. This may be solely the use of one primary substance or combined as poly drug use.
The breakdown averages around 25% referred for alcohol as primary substance, 25% for cannabis as primary substance, and 45% for ACE combined and 5% other substances including amphetamines, heroin etc.
During the 08/09 period the YOT referred an average of about 220 Y.P for substance misuse intervention. The majority of these referred for specialist tier 3 interventions with the remainder tier 2 referrals dealt with non structured interventions such as a one of group work session.
Referral Pathways
When a Y.P is identified as having possible substance misuse issues a referral is made by their YOT worker. After further discussion between Lifeline and YOT worker it is agreed what Tier of intervention should be offered. The following process is undertaken.
If a YP is identified as requiring a Tier 3 intervention, the following stages will be completed:
A
Young
Person's Story
Ahmed (name changed) was referred to an SM
worker by his YOT officer.
He had been placed on a referral order after
committing an offence whilst under the influence of
cannabis and alcohol. He was assessed to determine
his level of substance misuse and it was identified
that he smoking heavily every day. Ahmed was unable
to think of a day in 2 years when he had not smoked
cannabis.
Ahmed was able to talk through some of the problems
his cannabis use was causing him such as paranoia
and problems with sleeping.
Ahmed had already begun to think about making some
changes around his Cannabis use, he was offered
support in making decisions around his future.
Things like whether or not to stop, reducing his
cannabis use or continue as he was, with advice
around reducing risky behaviour.
Ahmed decided that he wanted to stop smoking
cannabis; he explored his reasons for smoking
Cannabis and the effects upon his health with his SM
worker. They drew up a plan together on how he was
going to achieve this and how to avoid situations
that might tempt him. Over several sessions Ahmed
had significantly reduced his use of Cannabis and
begun to see the positive benefits that this was
having. He felt healthier and had seen his paranoia
disappear.
Ahmed successfully completed his referral order and
finished drug free.
Looking Forward
-
Developing a specific alcohol and offending related programme
-
Exploring alternative/complimentary therapies for YP
Evidence for the effectiveness of complimentary
therapies in improving substance misuse outcomes is
limited. This is largely due to the lack of studies
rather than due to the existence of evidence which
disproves their effectiveness.
There is widespread agreement that the availability
of some complimentary therapies (in particular
Shiatsu and auricular acupuncture) increases
attendance at specialist services; this
may then act to improve engagement with other
interventions of proven efficacy. Therapies may
include:
-
Acupuncture
-
Shiatsu
-
Aromatherapy
-
Indian head massage
Useful websites
FRANK
The FRANK campaign provides information and support
for young people to ensure they understand the risks
and dangers of drugs and their use and that they
know where to go for help and advice -
www.talktofrank.com
National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse
The National Treatment Agency (NTA) is a special
health authority, created by the Government to
improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness
of treatment for drug misuse in England. You can
find further information on the NTA’s website about
types of treatment, access to treatment and
treatment providers -
www.nta.nhs.uk
NHS Choices
The NHS Choices website has further information
about drug misuse and where to get help -
www.nhs.co.uk
DrugScope
DrugScope is the UK's leading independent centre of
expertise on drugs -
www.drugscope.org.uk
