Drug and Alcohol Misuse among 16-18 Year Old in Essex - Research Proposal Example

The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 aims to address the problems experienced by children leaving care through the provision of a Personal Advisor for each child and the development of a Pathway Plan. These legislative provisions may be beneficial to children, suggesting that there may be a gradual improvement that is occurring in the life chances of young persons in Essex who are leaving care. A study conducted by the Centre for Policy Studies indicates that out of the 6000 children who leave care each year, about 4500 children will end up with no qualifications while about a fifth of them may end up homeless (BBC Report, 2007).

The report has also highlighted the negative impact of an abused childhood that is followed by adolescent years spent in care – illiteracy, prostitution, prostitution, criminality and drug and alcohol dependency (BBC Report, 2007).These results suggest that the care system is not working effectively to provide children and young persons with the necessary support and resources that they may need to emerge as useful and socially productive citizens. The period of transition between leaving care and establishing an independent life is one that leaves young persons in a vulnerable state.

Drug and alcohol misuse is common during this phase, because young care leavers develop the tendency to drug and alcohol dependency to cope with the loneliness, depression and fragmentation brought about by the transition occurring in their life. As a result of drug dependency, young people often face negative outcomes in life. Young girls end up as teenage mothers and may have to give up their children because they of their drug problems. Care leavers who become drug dependent are unable to get work and end up as criminals, rather than pursuing an education or relevant work training in order to lead a successful independent life.

  In recent years, there has been recognition of the difficulties faced by young care leavers in making an effective