DRUGS IN SCHOOLS

Sir-I empathise with some of the difficulties schools face and the need to
ask some of the difficult questions. Like, how do we help our kids who are
cannabis or alcohol dependent?

Barry Maister identifies a youth treatment alternative which could be
useful. However, what Barry does not communicate is the wealth of support
by agencies who could assist schools in Christchurch. There are programmes
such as the Odyssey Youth Day programme and a range of other associated
services working closely together to address these problems where
assistance is offered to both the youth and their family.

Principals as educators have a responsibility to their students and their
parents to know what treatment options are available in Christchurch and be
willing to work with them.

PAUL TRAYNOR manager Alcohol Drug Association New Zealand May 31, 2000