Analysis

Drugs review highlights five ways to boost support for young people

2 mins read Health Drugs and alcohol
The second part of Dame Carol Black’s independent review of illegal drugs outlines plans for better co-ordination of policy across government, strengthened commissioning, a revitalised workforce strategy and ringfenced funding for services – all potentially transformational recommendations. Yet the main opportunity lies in the spotlight on children and young people.
Dame Carol Black chaired the review. Picture: gov.uk
Dame Carol Black chaired the review. Picture: gov.uk

Drug use among young people is at its highest for a decade, and Black’s report comes at a time when children are more vulnerable to substance misuse – youth services have been depleted, school exclusions are at record levels and children’s mental health is deteriorating. Despite this, fewer young people are accessing specialist treatment, increasing their exposure to harm and exploitation.

Black’s recommendations provide a powerful catalyst for us to refocus on our youth. Here’s five ways it can make a difference.

Rising year-on-year investment, reaching £552m per annum in year five

Black identifies young people’s drug treatment as a priority area for reinvestment. It has seen its total budget slashed by 40 per cent since 2009. Over that same period, there has been a 40 per cent reduction in young people accessing treatment.

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