Progress made in youth alcohol misuse, report shows

We have today published a report into the work of youth offending teams (YOTs) in tackling alcohol misuse by children and young people.

The joint report, completed with HM Inspectorate of Probation, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales and Estyn, shows progress has been achieved but more improvement must be made.

It confirms that YOTs are sufficiently aware of the link between alcohol misuse and:

· Health problems.
· Underachievement in school.
· Offending behaviour.

They are also offering significant and effective health resources where such misuse is believed to be directly linked to offending.

There were, the report found, too many inconsistencies in the quality of assessments across England and Wales, meaning some children will not get the appropriate help.

To address the problems, the report’s authors call for a nationally validated holistic health assessment to ensure appropriate interventions are offered.

Professionals should also ensure alcohol-related needs are prioritised more, the report says, in order to generate more consistent assessments and aligned interventions.

· Read the full press release on the publication:
http://www.cqc.org.uk/newsandevents/newsstories.cfm?FaArea1=customwidgets.content_view_1&cit_id=36371

· Download the full report from here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/inspectorates/hmi-probation/index.htm