Plan to refer drink and drug arrests to youth workers

The Alcohol Arrest Referral programme is to be tested by six local authorities in a bid to discover whether arrest referral can reduce re-offending among young people arrested for alcohol related offences.

It will also aim to ensure young people with alcohol and substance misuse problems are able to access appropriate services and treatment.

Under the schemes those aged 10 to 17, who have been arrested or come into contact with police while under the influence of drugs and alcohol will be interviewed and assessed by a youth worker.

The pilot areas are East Sussex, Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Blackpool, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Di Robertson, Newcastle's young people's drug and alcohol services manager said: "Young people who have been arrested will have access to immediate one-on-one support from specially-trained Young People's Alcohol Workers. The workers will help them look at the effects of their drinking and how they might reduce it."

Once referred the youth worker will determine the young person's drinking patterns, why they are drinking and talk to them about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body, behaviour and other people. If required the young person will be referred into appropriate treatment services.

This initial assessment will be followed up with other appointments outside of the police station with the young person and, depending on their age, the family, to determine the best way of tackling their behaviour.