Under-tens abusing drink and drugs

Scottish children as young as eight are being referred to the children's reporter with drink and drug problems, figures have revealed for the first time.

Referrals are made if social workers, the police or school teachers are sufficiently worried, about the welfare of individuals. The Scottish Children's Reporter Administration figures for 2004-5 revealed a worrying rise in very young children with drink and drug problems, with a small number of children under ten being referred to the panel, compared with none the previous year.

This is the first time details from the have been presented in a format that reveals just how young those appearing before the panel because of such problems are.

Source: www.scotsman.com
Posted: 7th August 2006