A tool kit for supporting vulnerable young people at risk of alcohol related harm in South West England Rowan Miller Deputy Regional Alcohol Manager & Mike Ward Senior Consultant for Alcohol Concern

Our focus Looked after children and young people Young people with special educational needs particularly those with emotional and behavioural problems

What made us do it? The evidence base around what works in reducing alcohol misuse among vulnerable children and young people is limited. Calling Time supports a learning culture across the South West. This was part of a series of Innovation Projects. There is little guidance and information for universal professionals on this topic. People were interested and told us it would be useful

How did we do it? We commissioned Alcohol Concern to do the following with us: Map what was happening in the South West Research the existing evidence base Read….a lot Consult with young people and professionals across the South West Write and re write 19 drafts!

Key research findings Looked after children Looked after children are four times more likely than those living in private households to smoke, drink and take drugs Looked after children start using substances at an earlier age, at higher levels and more regularly than their peers The risk of alcohol problems increased from 18% to 32% for care leavers at 3 months and 1 year

‘Children start to learn about alcohol from an extremely young age. They learn a great deal from general observation of the media and wider society. However, basic knowledge, attitudes, expectations and intentions are initially most influenced by their families.’ (Velleman, ‘Children, young people and alcohol: how they learn and how to prevent excessive use’, JRF 2009)

Key research findings Special Educational Needs The evidence on the relationship between alcohol use and special education needs is limited The relationship between different types of special educational needs and alcohol use will vary Young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties as a group are at increased risk to substance misuse particularly alcohol Adults with ADHD have high rates of alcohol dependence (41%) Young people with special educational needs may be more vulnerable to problems later in life like homelessness

A study from Plymouth reports that: “There is…compelling evidence that children who have behavioural, emotional or social difficulties are at risk of developing substance misuse problems. This is further supported through work undertaken locally looking at the histories of some very high risk, high harm young adults, most of whom all received additional educational support whilst at primary school.”

When do you think alcohol use is a problem for young people?

Warning signs of alcohol harm Being drunk more often than in the past Taking the day off because of a hangover Having arguments or accidents because of drinking Getting into trouble (fights, drink-driving) Regretting and feeling guilty about behaviour whilst under the influence Worsening performance at school Loss of interest in sports or other activities Lying about drinking levels Covering up drinking and the cost of it

Pathways Young people who will make changes to their drinking Young people who are resistant to change

Important changes… What needs to happen to improve responses for looked after children and young people with special educational needs around alcohol related Harm?: In your practice In your organisation Locally Nationally Top three priorities

For your copy of the tool kit: Alcohol Learning Centre website Alcohol Concern Calling Time