GUIDELINES FOR DRUG RELATED INCIDENTS

What to do if ... / Action / Regulations / Other considerations
Suspected drugs/drug material are discovered at a Scouting event
or
A Scout is found in possession of drugs /
  • Confiscate substance/materials and store securely, with a witness(do not leave substance unattended)
  • Do not taste or touch
  • Record what/when/where/who
  • Inform Police
  • Pass substance to Police
  • Consider informing GSL and/or DC
/
  • Warranted Leaders have ‘in loco parentis’ responsibilities
  • It is against the law knowingly to allow premises to be used for production/consumption/dealing of certain substances
  • It is illegal to search a child
/
  • Decide if/when parents are to be informed
  • What sanctions will be imposed?
  • Consider social/welfare issues
  • Decide who else to inform
(keep this on a ‘need to know’ basis)
A Leader suspects/has evidence that a Scout is under the influence of drugs /
  • Do not leave the Scout unattended
  • Seek medical attention
  • If unconscious, put in the recovery position
  • Attend to any other First Aid needs
  • Consider informing GSL and/or DC
/
  • Warranted Leaders have ‘in loco parentis’ responsibilities
  • It is illegal to search a child
/
  • Decide if/when parents are to be informed
  • Decide who else to inform (keep this on a ‘need to know’ basis

A Scout discloses that s/he is using drugs /
  • Discuss with Scout
  • Consider informing GSL and/ or DC
/
  • There is no legal obligation to inform anyone.
  • ‘In loco Parentis’ regulations apply.
/
  • Decide if/when parents are to be informed
  • Decide who else to inform
  • Are there any agencies that need to be informed?
  • Is there any risk to others?

What to do if ... / Action / Regulations / Other considerations
A Scout discloses that a relative/friend is misusing/selling drugs /
  • Consider informing GSL and/or D C
/
  • There is no legal obligations to inform anyone
/
  • Decide if external agencies should be informed - such as the Police or Social Services
  • Are there any other children to think about?
  • Consider how the Scout will be supported
  • Ask the Scout if they want their parents involved
  • Signpost to other organisations

You become aware of the sale of drugs in the Scout hut vicinity. /
  • Inform Police
  • Inform GSL and/or DC
/
  • There is no legal obligation to inform anyone
/
  • Decide if/when parents are to be informed

A parent comes to you about their child who is using drugs /
  • Offer support
/
  • There is no legal obligation to inform anyone
  • If they are telling you your premises are being used, you cannot allow that to continue
/
  • Signpost to other organisations

.....a common sense approach

Drugs.doc

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