"Glue My World Together" The government's responsibility to ensure children and youth welfare services

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore how young people who abuse substances view their consumption and the welfare services available to them since childhood. Interviews were taken with eleven individuals (aged 18–25). The findings showed that the young people related the onset of their substance misuse to difficult circumstances dur[1]ing their upbringing. Mental disorders and substance abuse of household members were common, and participants described primary caregivers’ neglect, insecure attachment, and relationship problems within the home. Learning difficulties and bullying made schooling difficult and traumas threaded through their lives. Substance misuse started as an escape from distress but turned into avoidance from withdrawal. Findings suggest that the young people had experienced helplessness in difficult circumstances at home as in school and lack of welfare services despite the aims of governmental policies to the contrary in children’s affairs. Service needs of children who struggle must be identified, and support provided to them at home and in school to ensure their well-being, health, and education. Participants emphasized the need for diverse substance abuse treatments with psychological services, and interventions to support everyday life. It is unacceptable that children in need experience that no one is there to help them.