Assurances have been given that young problem drinkers will not be left to fend for themselves following the closure of a celebrated service.
Fears had been expressed for the future of teenage drinkers considered to be at risk once the street referral service run by Leven-based Drug and Alcohol Project Limited finishes next month.
Concerns had also been raised that anti-social behaviour on Fife’s streets could be set to rise with the demise of the project.
Held up as a pioneering example of good practice by Scottish ministers and a Fife drug court sheriff, the service will close in September due to controversial plans to shift funding from local groups to national organisations.
However, it was has been stated that Fife Police will continue to ensure young people considered to be at risk due to alcohol or anti-social behaviour are dealt with in the most appropriate way.
Officers have the option to refer youngsters under the influence of alcohol or drugs to Fife’s Youth Offender Management Group, which will decide upon the best support available to ensure they do not become involved in further alcohol or drug-related problems.Early interventionRun by a number of agencies including SACRO and the YMCA, the early intervention approach is said to have had a major impact on youth offending and referrals to the children’s reporter since its inception in 2007.
Chief Superintendent Alistair McKeen, who represents Fife Constabulary on Fife’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership (Fife ADP) Board, said, “Whilst this pilot scheme has come to an end, Fife ADP is confident that any young person coming to the attention of the police as a result of alcohol or drug-related problems will find access to a range of existing services through the Youth Offender Management group.
“The hallmark of this group’s work is the speed with which individual cases are reviewed.
“This group has spearheaded reductions of over 60% in repeat offending amongst young people through tackling underlying reasons like problems at home or alcohol or drug abuse.”
Under DAPL’s street referral service young people are not put into the offending cycle or treated as criminals. They are referred to DAPL, who then meet with the young person and their family to assess if there are any underlying issues. Support is then given where necessary.