Page 4929 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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The available evidence suggests that, while the number of people who use amphetamines is small, it is a substance with a high risk of harm, this is associated with both the nature of the substance and the method of use. This results in higher use of health services and unintentional drug-induced deaths.
(2) ACT Policing advise that in 2018-19 there were 28 offenders under 18 apprehended for drug related offences; two of these offences involved Methamphetamines.
Young people coming into the youth justice system often have multiple and complex needs. These can include drug and alcohol issues, mental health concerns and/or a trauma background that has resulted in difficulty regulating their behaviour. Problematic drug and alcohol use by a young person in the youth justice system is often first identified through information provided through the ACT Childrens Court following police involvement. Child and Youth Protection Services will commence youth justice case management of a young person by developing a youth justice case plan within 6 weeks of obtaining youth justice supervision through the ACT Children’s Court. A case plan addresses the young person’s immediate criminogenic needs and risks (such as drug and alcohol use) and includes regular assessments and monitoring. A case plan is the central guidance tool for case management of a young person involved with the youth justice system.
(3) The ACT Government continues to run a number of campaigns concerning the harms associate with drug and alcohol use. In 2019, the ACT Government undertook a harm reduction initiative associated with the Groovin’ the Moo festival which included targeted social media messaging, updated ACT health web content and electronic signage at the festival.
In June 2019 the Government also announced $1.75 million in new funding to reduce alcohol-related harms in the Territory. The funding awarded was:
• $762,000 over two years to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) for the Preventing Alcohol-Related Chronic Disease program;
• $476,000 over two years to Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services for the program Winnunga AHCS — Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples program;
• $184,000 over two years to the AIDS Action Council of the ACT for the Not So Straight Up program to reduce risky drinking behaviour within LGBTIQ communities;
• $170,000 over two years to Australian Red Cross Society for the Save-a-Mate (SAM) program to equip young people, and parents and carers, with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognise and respond to alcohol and other drug emergencies; and
• $154,000 over two years to Canberra Health Services for the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Canberra Outreach program to prevent alcohol and other drug related injuries among senior high school students.
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