Is it right to separate young people’s substance misuse services from those for adults, as suggested by Brighton’s Independent Drugs Commission? Separate yes, but certainly not disconnected.
Addaction advocates for services that are tailored to each age group’s needs, but works as part of a wider treatment network. This is not least because adulthood, in the sense of emotional maturity, isn’t age-specific and that’s why the commission is right to point out the necessity of “transitional” services for 18- to 24-year-olds.
Our young people’s services have been a great success. They recognise this group’s substance misuse, and the reasons behind it are often different to people who are older.
We also know that familial substance misuse is an influence on young people’s own use, and integrated services that work with the whole family are of equal importance. Such services play an effective role in preventing problems from escalating.
Finally, we also need to focus attention on alcohol. Alcohol is the most commonly reported form of substance misuse in our services and a growing concern in our young people’s services.
Simon Antrobus, chief executive, Addaction
High-quality early years provision is vital
The National Association of Head Teachers welcomes the government’s intention to strengthen the qualifications of the early years workforce, but it does not go far enough.
Further gains in standards in early years settings will come only from having highly skilled and valued professionals making good judgments about the needs of the children in their care.
The government must bite the bullet and boost the status of professionals working in early years education.
However, it is important to remember that very young children need nurture and play as well as the first steps in their academic education. Learning how to share, to pay attention, to behave and express themselves are critical foundations to primary education.
We should always remain fully aware that high-quality early years provision needs to be delivered with love and care.
The drive to raise the knowledge and skill levels of the workforce must not lead to this being overlooked.
Russell Hobby, general secretary, National Association of Head Teachers
Other
