Alcohol

The Home should be an alcohol-free zone; alcohol should not be brought or kept on the premises and children should not normally be taken into licensed premises, unless it is part of a clear plan leading toward independence or on a special occasion; e.g. Christmas. In any case, children will not be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.

Staff are not permitted to consume alcohol whilst on duty and should not arrive at work under the influence of alcohol.

See Whistleblowing or Raising Concerns at Work Procedure.

Staff should ensure that children/young people are educated about alcohol and its effects and should be included in keyworking sessions.

If staff are concerned that a child/young person has been drinking alcohol, this should be raised with the Home's manager and the child's social worker as required.

See Safeguarding Children & Young PeopleWhere it becomes evident, or it is suspected, that a child or young person has been drinking alcohol, the most appropriate response will vary depending on how much the young person has had to drink or how it has affected them. These options are outlined below:

• Offering fluids - water, squash;
• Periodic monitoring and checks by staff - 10 minutes, 30 minutes, hourly, etc.
• Contacting health professionals for advice e.g. G.P, NHS 111 or in emergencies 999 and request ambulance service;
• Hospitalisation for day patients or overnight stay if appropriate, etc.

The Homes or on-call Manager if out of hours should be contacted.

The child/young person’s placing Social Worker should be notified, or EDT if out of hours.

Homes staff should complete a substance misuse record that should be shared with the Homes Manager and the child’s placing Social Worker.

Homes staff should consider if a referral to substance misuse support service is necessary which should be discussed with the child/young person and their placing Social Worker prior to any referral being made.

Useful Websites

Change Grow Live, We can help you change your life

Drinkaware

Alcohol, Young People and the Law (GOV.UK)