Health, mental health and substance misuse problems significantly increase the risk of children and young people offending and reoffending. In particular, research has identified very high levels of mental health problems among young people who offend, which can lead to increased risk-taking and self-harm or suicide, and to the misuse of drugs and alcohol. Research also shows that young people who enter the youth justice system have started using drugs at the youngest age, and go on to do so the most frequently.
The YJB obtained funding to appoint named drug workers in each youth offending team (YOT). There are now more than 200 specialist drugs workers and services working with YOTs, allowing young people who have offended or who are at risk of offending to be assessed for substance misuse and, if it is needed, to get the support they need very quickly.