Over 130 young people referred to drug and alcohol services in Central Bedfordshire last year
Council data reveals extent of youth referrals and structured treatments
More than 130 under-18s were referred to drug or alcohol services in Central Bedfordshire last year, with 87 young people entering structured treatment, according to figures released by Central Bedfordshire Council.
The council’s data shows 138 referrals were made during 2024–25.
All young people waited less than three weeks for their first intervention, so met the national waiting-time target.
Of those accessing treatment, 60 were aged 15 or younger.
A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesperson said: “The service carries out a comprehensive assessment of needs, care planning, risk management and appropriate interventions with children and young people who have already developed signs of problems with drugs and or alcohol and those impacted by parental substance misuse.
“The service ensures that all children and young people have a named keyworker, structured assessment and a clear care plan.
“Support will also be developed with the family (where appropriate and safe) to maximise the long-term chances of a successful outcome/s.
“To ensure that the young person’s wider related health and wellbeing needs are met, the service works in partnership with Children’s Services, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, the Youth Offending Service and other relevant services to provide an integrated offer of support for young people.”
The council also confirmed that no under-18s were considered for residential or specialist inpatient treatment in the past three financial years.
This means that no young people were placed away from home for intensive rehabilitation.