Transcript A study of drug use among male juvenile offenders in St. Lucia

ASSESSING EMERGING
DRUG TRENDS
A study of drug use among male
juvenile offenders in St. Lucia
October 2004
JUSTIFICATION
Study sought to examine the relationship
between drug exposure and the
institutionalization of juveniles at the Boys’
Training Centre.
OBJECTIVES
Primary Objective:
 Explore drug use & its related problems
amongst the population
Secondary Objective:
 Provision of institutional support through
the provision of base-line data to inform
intervention programmes
INSTITUTIONAL OVERVIEW
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The Boys’ Training Centre is state funded
facility
Lone residential facility for male juvenile
delinquents
Most residents have had conflicts with the
law & been exposed to the court system
Houses a maximum of 30 wards
POPULATION UNDER
STUDY
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Male juvenile offenders between 12 & 17 years
Committed offences ranging from truancy to
murder; some placed for care & protection
Offenders tend to be socially dysfunctional
Behavioural dysfunctions: Conduct Disorder,
Depression, ADHD
Low levels of literacy & limited formal education
Exposure/involvement with illegal substances
METHODODLOGY
Qualitative Data collection:
 A Focus Group Interview with the wards
 In-depth Interviews
 Key Informant Interviews: Treatment and
Rehabilitation, Police and Justice,
Prevention Services
DATA COLLECTED
The specific focus of the study of the wards
of the Centre was on their perception and
attitudes to:
 Drug use & abuse
 Determine usefulness of the formal education
system
 Role and function of the Community
 Social Structures & Organizations
 Recommendations for drug demand reduction
FINDINGS
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A direct association was established between drug
exposure and the placement of the boys at the
Centre
Drug of choice amongst the Boys as well as
persons within their immediate social grouping
was marijuana
Marijuana was seen as a means of problem
solving, a recreational activity and source of
economic security
Limited scope of choices contributed to drug
involvement
FINDINGS (cont’d)
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Marijuana use seen as a rite of passage &
factor determining manhood
Existence of a social environment
tolerant/accepting of use
Myths & misconceptions endorsing
marijuana usage
Limited scope of intervention efforts
RECOMMENDATIONS
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Holistic Approach to Drug Education &
Prevention: problem management, public health
awareness, development of personal & civic
responsibility, etc.
Collaboration & Networking: harness the
professional capacity of a range of professionals
Creation of an enabling environment
Programme Relevance: sensitivity to the youth
variable
Coordinated Training: for persons engaged in the
range of areas addressing drug use/abuse
WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
AND ATTENTION AND WELCOME
ANY QUESTIONS AND/OR
COMMENTS YOU MAY HAVE.