Parents face warning if children seen drinking

Oct 15 2009 by Jane Purvis, The Journal

POLICE warned parents they could face a child protection investigation if their children are caught drinking on the street.

The warning came after 74 youngsters suspected of under-age drinking were stopped in just one night in Weardale, County Durham.

On Friday night officers from Crook and Weardale neighbourhood policing teams joined staff from social services and the Durham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) in a joint crackdown focusing on under-age drinkers.

Neighbourhood Inspector Tony Avery said: “Young people put themselves at risk by being out at night under the influence of alcohol. We need to educate them and their parents about both the immediate and long-term dangers to health that alcohol can cause.”

Insp Avery said the aim of the Stay Safe operation was to take people who were in need of immediate care as a result of their alcohol consumption into police protection so their circumstances could be assessed with social services. A DAAT worker was also present to provide both the child and parents voluntary access to alcohol intervention services.

He added: “If parents allow their children to drink on the streets they could face a child protection investigation and charges of neglect.”

During vehicle patrols of the area 74 young people were stopped and spoken to. Ten have been referred to DAAT, two were taken home and a boy was taken into police care until a suitable arrangement could be made for his release into the care of an appropriate adult. Alcohol was also seized and will be disposed of.