Title of Presentation

Keeping Them Connected

Presentation by

Peter Norden, A.O.Melbourne Law School

Saint Monica’s College WorkshopEpping, 18th May 2009

What Our Experience Tells Us Young people have complex needs

Will experiment with drugs/alcohol

Misuse can lead to:

• Early school leaving

• Disengagement with family &

community

• Engagement with crime

Stats on Drug Use by Young People

Pattern of Use in previous twelve months:

• 32% Cannabis

• 12% Ecstasy

• 10% Amphetamines

• 4% CocaineSource: Victorian Youth Alcohol & Drugs Quarterly Survey 2002, Dept of Human Services, Vic State Govt., 2003 Reasons for Use

• Alleviating feelings of distress

• Relieving boredom, depression/sense of hopelessness

• Having fun, pushing boundaries, curiosity

• Socialising with peers who are using

• Dependency

Source: Get Wise: Working on Illicits in School Education, DEET, State Govt Vic., 2000

Illicit Drug Use by Young People

Disadvantage Study

Shows Strong Links between

Year 12 Incomplete and:

Unemployment (.50)

LT Unemployment (.60)

Court Convictions (.53)

Imprisonment (.32)

Source: Vinson, T., Community adversity and resilience, Jesuit Social Services, 2004, p. 63.

National School StudyPurpose:

Identify and recommend ‘good’ drug policies and practice in schools, aimed at:

• reducing illicit drug use

• keeping students connected with school system

Study funded by:Commonwealth Department of Education.

Supported and assisted by:Catholic Education Office

Stats on Catholic Schools

State/Territory

CatholicSchools

Students inCatholic Schools

Students inAll

Schools

ACT 30 17,132 60,166

NSW 585 236,654 1,107,336

VIC 488 179,913 819,103

QLD 278 104,584 629,771

SA 107 44,640 248,815

WA 158 60,170 334,050

TAS 37 12,830 82,376

NT 15 4,668 37,003

TOTAL 1,698 660,591 3,318,620

Number of Catholic Schools and Students in Australia

Source: Taken from ABS, Schools, Australia, 2003, Cat No. 4221.0, Tables 2 & 4

Key Issues Emerging from Consultations – 1 to 6

Key Issues Emerging from Consultations

6. Confidentiality

5. Collaboration with Outside Agencies

4. Drug Use and Mental Health Disorders

3. Input from School Personnel in Determining Response

2. Assessing Incidents of Drug Use

1. Balanced Response

Shafer’s Model

Shafer’s Model of Drug Use

Source: In Touch: WA Strategy Against Drug Abuse, WADDA, 2000

Key Issues cont’d. – 7 to 11

Key Issues - cont’d.

11. Consistent Ethic in Catholic Schools’Drug Policies

10. Drug Testing in Schools

9. Sale of Illicit Substances

8. Transferring or Expelling Students

7. School as Nurturing Environment

Key Issues cont’d. – 7 to 11

Potential Self Harm Risk Factors

• Impact of alcohol or substance misuse

• Lack of support for same sex attracted

• Social pressure incl. academic achievement

• Abuse or neglect within family or beyond

• Family or relationship conflict or violence

Key Issues cont’d. – 7 to 11

Suspension rarely the best response

• Suspension often seen as a reward / network

• Social or econ. disadvantage, minority groups

• 50% increase in anti-social behaviour

• Suspension increases the risk factors

• 12% Yr 10 Vic students suspended once (’07)

Key Issues cont’d. – 7 to 11

Alternatives to Suspension:

• Give apology or repair damaged relationships

• Use restorative practices to repair harm

• Use social skill training instead: pos. links

• Use “in school” suspensions: separation

• Last resort: ensure physical safety of others

Key Recommendations – 1 to 5

Key Recommendations for “Good Practice”

5. Distinguish between sale of drugs for financial gain and sale to support personal habit

4. Establish and maintain communication with allstakeholders

3. Differentiate between problematic and experimental drug use

2. Develop clear drug policies that include procedures and protocols

1. Place emphasis on ‘health and education’

Recommendations cont’d. – 6 to 9

Recommendations - cont’d.

9. Restrict authority to expel a student

8. Maintain ongoing pastoral care of transferred student

7. Develop good working relationships with relevant external agencies

6. Establish and maintain School Drug Advisory or Consultative Group