Specialist Drug & Alcohol Referral Team Launches

Written by: Essex Drug & Alcohol Action Team
Posted: 22/10/2009 12:04:16

Drug & Alcohol Referral Team (DART) is a newly created and innovative specialist support service available for Children and Young People Looked After who are supported by Permanency, Leaving and After Care services, their carers and professionals.

DART is a collaboration between Essex Drug & Alcohol Partnership’s and Essex County Councils Permanency, Leaving and After Care services that demonstrates true partnership working.

This exciting service recognises that Children and Young People Looked After are some of our counties most vulnerable.  Whilst many go on to succeed for some their future is challenging.  Local research suggests drug and alcohol misuse and criminal activity is more likely which in turn can affect their emotional wellbeing and educational success.  Children and Young People Looked After are often more likely to have experienced parental drug and alcohol misuse and domestic abuse where drug and alcohol misuse has played a feature.

Their primary outcome is to reduce the use and misuse of drugs and alcohol by Children and Young People Looked After and those supported by the leaving and aftercare service in order to enhance their life chances, aspirations and outcomes in accordance with the Every Child Matter agenda.  The team will provide children and young people with confidential advice, information and access to relevant support services in Essex.  The service is flexible and will be provided in a variety of ways to meet the children or young person’s needs via one to one support, education, training, group work and activities which can be carried out in their own localities.

The team will also work to support professionals and carers in order to improve their understanding and alleviate anxieties around the issues and needs of children and young peoples that are affected by drug and alcohol use and misuse.  They will offer training and support, whilst providing a confidential helpline in relation to all aspects of substance misuse.  This will improve the carer’s and professional’s ability & confidence to care and work with them effectively.

DART do not condone or condemn.  The team offers a non judgemental service to help reduce the risks of drug and alcohol use and misuse.  DART works in accordance with the Children Trust approach in Essex and in line with safeguarding guidelines and protocols.

For more information contact or to make a referrals: dart@essex.gov.uk

Last Updated on: 23/07/2010 14:04:26