Youth drug worker funded

The Peninsula is to have a fully-funded youth-specific drug and alcohol worker to assist in the fight against drugs.

Dion Richardson, support worker at The Web Youth Service, designed the project and applied for funding.

Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd recently announced the success of the application.

The new alcohol and other drugs (AOD) worker will be working directly with Dion 22 hours a week for two years.

Five hours a week will be spent at each high school, and 12 hours per week will be one on one counselling and assessment.

"The Howard Government will provide $94,818 to run this program for the next two years," said Mr Lloyd.

"There has been an urgent need to have this program available and the NSW Government have failed to provide the service.

"In the Gosford City area there is only one Alcohol and Drug worker who is employed by the NSW Department of Juvenile Justice at Mt Penang, resulting in the crazy situation where young people can get access to a trained counsellor only after they have broken the law," Mr Lloyd said.

"The role of the AOD Worker will be to integrate and complement the services already provided by the Web Youth Service.

"They will also provide Drug & Alcohol Education and Counselling to the target age group 12-18 year olds, at 'The Web' and also to the broader community through local high schools," Mr Lloyd said.

"Where possible immediate access to the AOD worker will be available for counselling and assessment in crisis situations.

"Drugs are one of the most evil threats to our society and this program is part of the Howard Government's 'Tough on Drugs' initiative, which is providing practical support in the fight against drug abuse," Mr Lloyd said.

Press release, October 25.