Applicable to: England

Drug use amongst care leavers is much higher than drug use amongst the general population. A study of 200 14 to 24 year olds in the process of leaving care found high levels of self-reported drug use (Ward et al. 2003). Three-quarters of the sample had ever used a drug and over half (53%) had used a drug in the last month. Cannabis was the most popular drug with 62 per cent having smoked it in the last year, followed by a fifth having used ecstasy or cocaine, and 17 per cent having used amphetamines. Seven per cent had used crack and five per cent had used heroin.

Of note is that steadily lower levels of consumption were reported as young people assumed or approached independent living status. The research suggested that practical responsibilities (such as household management) when well planned as part of the care-leaving transition, encourage more responsible levels of drug consumption.

References
Ward, J., Henderson, Z. and Pearson, G. (2003). One problem among many: drug use among care leavers in transition to independent living. Home Office research study 260. Home Office. London.