Title of Presentation Keeping Them Connected Presentation by Peter Norden, A.O. Melbourne Law School Saint Monica’s College Workshop Epping, 18 th 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% Cocaine Source: 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 Study Purpose: 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/TerritoryCatholic Schools Students in Catholic Schools Students in All Schools ACT 3017,13260,166 NSW ,6541,107,336 VIC ,913819,103 QLD ,584629,771 SA 10744,640248,815 WA 15860,170334,050 TAS 3712,83082,376 NT 154,66837,003 TOTAL1,698660,5913,318,620 Number of Catholic Schools and Students in Australia Source: Taken from ABS, Schools, Australia, 2003, Cat No , 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 all stakeholders 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