They tried to make me go to rehab... young offenders and drug use

Abstract

The last young people in custody health survey showed that 89% of young offenders had tried illicit drugs, with cannabis (87%) the most common used. As well, 65% had used an illicit drug at least weekly in the year prior to custody, 65% reported committing crime to obtain alcohol or drugs and 20% were intoxicated (on alcohol, drugs or both) at the time of their offence. This seminar will look at: the latest research on cannabis use amongst young offenders; an innovative intervention program specifically designed for young people with low literacy skills; the effect of being caught with small amounts of drugs and their subsequent entanglement in the justice system; alternatives to incarceration. Speakers: Melanie Simpson, Senior Research Officer/PhD Candidate, National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre; Geoff Wilkinson, Program Manager, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Juvenile Justice; Jane Sanders, Principal Solicitor, Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. This event is sponsored by Juvenile Justice NSW.