SUPERVISED CHROMING 'SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY'

Welfare leaders meeting in Victoria say youth workers who help young
solvent abusers by monitoring them while they sniff paint fumes should do
so only as a last resort.

But participants in the forum, convened by the Victorian Alcohol and Drug
Association, have released a joint statement which says the need to
supervise chroming reveals society's failure to help at-risk youths.

VAADA executive officer, CAROL BENNETT, says solvent abuse is a symptom of
far deeper personal problems in young people.

Ms BENNETT says welfare staff should not be blamed for showing concern, as
there are zero resources when what's needed is a range of services to help
these youngsters.

Earlier this year a public uproar broke out in Victoria after it was
revealed youth workers at one Melbourne welfare agency were overseeing
young solvent abusers while they inhaled.

What became known as the chroming affair cost the then Minister for
Community Services CHRISTINE CAMPBELL her portfolio.