Young People, Alcohol and Supervision Orders

Abstract

Whilst the majority of adolescents drink responsibly and sensibly there is a high incidence of alcohol problems amongst some young people. As children grow into their teenage years, heavy drinking and drinking problems will increase, although many adolescents do not perceive their behaviour to be problematic. In fact, it is known that many teenagers have been in trouble with the police and the courts after drinking. The focus of this article is upon young people aged under 18, alcohol problems, offending and supervision orders. It is recognised that while alcohol does not in itself necessarily cause crime, there is a strong association between alcohol and offending. Many adolescents are placed on Supervision Orders as a result of criminal proceedings. Some of these offences, especially those committed by persistent offenders, are likely to have occurred as a result of intoxication or heavy drinking. Youth Offending Team workers attempt to make effective interventions in these situations, but may experience problems in doing so. Some reasons for this are analysed and some ways forward are suggested. © 2003, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.