Smoking and Alcohol

Staff should ensure that young people are educated about smoking. It is accepted that the more that young people know, the more likely they are to make good decisions about how to deal with smoking, drinking and the misuse of drugs/substances. Good communication ensures the right messages and information are passed on.

Some young people may already smoke before they are placed in the Service. You should support and encourage such young people to reduce or stop smoking. Support is available from the Looked After Children's Nurse or the young person's GP. This should be discussed with the young person's social worker and addressed as part of the young person's Health Plan.

Staff are not permitted to purchase or give cigarettes, tobacco, or the materials for making or lighting cigarettes or tobacco to young people.

See: Rules about Tobacco, E-Cigarettes and Smoking (GOV.UK).

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

Staff should ensure that young people are educated about alcohol and its effects.

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

If the young person is over the age of 18, staff should support the young person to drink in moderation.

Where it becomes evident, or it is suspected, that a young person has been drinking alcohol, the most appropriate response will vary dependent 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.;
• Hospitalisation for day patient or overnight stay if appropriate, etc.

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