Interventions to prevent and reduce young people’s substance use and criminal justice involvement trajectories

The previous country report described two interventions identified as innovative projects in preventing or reducing substance related harm for young people involved in the criminal justice system. Project A, aimed at 11 to 18 year olds, consisted of a series of videos, activities and discussion questions designed to encourage consideration of risky behaviour and ways of staying safe. Project B trained young people involved in the youth justice and criminal justice systems, aged 16 to 21 years old, to become peer navigators with accredited qualifications so that they could act as navigators between various services (e.g. mental health, housing services). Findings from interviews with professionals (N = 16) suggested a decreasing number of young people were becoming involved in the criminal justice system, while there was a corresponding increase in the number of young people presenting with multiple, complex issues such as school exclusion, child neglect or abuse, poverty and mental health issues. Solutions to better prevent or reduce substance use suggested by professionals included: involving young people in the development and delivery of interventions; using innovative approaches that include art, video and social media elements; being able to adapt interventions to individual needs and; creating trusting relationships with service users. This report presents findings from data analysis of 34 interviews with young people in the UK, the recruitment process, and challenges encountered, are presented first alongside details of the sample included.