Bid to combat drink-related crime

Young people in Staffordshire arrested under the influence of alcohol or drugs are to receive direct help from youth workers.

The Home Office is providing £800,000 to extend its Alcohol Arrest Referral project to include under-18s in six pilot areas across the country. A version of the scheme for adults is already running. The Youth AAR schemes will cover anyone aged 10 to 17 who is arrested while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, or comes into contact with police because of drugs and alcohol.

They will automatically be interviewed and assessed by a youth worker.

The worker will determine the young person's drinking patterns, why they are drinking, and talk to them about alcohol and drugs, their effects on the body, behaviour and other people. If required the young person will be referred into appropriate treatment services.

This initial assessment will be followed up with other appointments outside the police station with the young person to determine the best way of tackling their behaviour.

If young people persist with alcohol related crime or disorder they will face legal sanctions where appropriate.

The six Youth AAR pilots will take place in Staffordshire, Blackpool, East Sussex, Lincolnshire, Liverpool and Newcastle. The pilot will begin in Staffordshire, which has received £130,000 of the funding, next month.

Home Office Minister Alan Campbell said: "These schemes will enable youth workers to provide help to those young people that need it the most.

"By addressing this behaviour and providing help with health, education and employment we will not only aim to reduce the likelihood of re-offending but hopefully change these youngsters' lives for the better."

John Taylor, leader of Staffordshire County Council said: "This pilot is a positive way of intervening to break young people out of the habit of drunken behaviour. We are delighted to be taking part."