ASSESSING EMERGING DRUG TRENDS

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

October 2004

JUSTIFICATIONStudy sought to examine the

relationshipbetween drug exposure and theinstitutionalization of juveniles

at the Boys’Training Centre.

OBJECTIVESPrimary 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 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

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

METHODODLOGYQualitative Data collection: A Focus Group Interview with the wards In-depth Interviews Key Informant Interviews: Treatment and

Rehabilitation, Police and Justice, Prevention Services

DATA COLLECTEDThe specific focus of the study of the wardsof the Centre was on their perception andattitudes 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 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) 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 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.