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77
DRUG DEPENDENCY
The informal advisory Committee established in 1967 of representatives
of statutory and voluntary organisations concerned with this
problem met on two occasions.
The general position in Croydon was deemed unchanged, with no
special prevalence but with the continued danger common to all urban
areas.
An in-service tr ining session for professional staff was held at the
Denning Hall under the Chairmanship of the Chief Education Officer,
when Dr. Dale-Beckett and Police Sergeant D. Shearon (with dogs) covered
the theory and practice of drug taking and drug traffic control. Information
about books, leaflets and films was provided by Miss Elliott.
A pamphlet for all school leavers covering services available for
adolescents was issued at Easter and was well received. With minor alterations
it will be given to school leavers in 1972.
A meeting for parents was held in the northern part of the Borough,
covering 3 senior schools, when Dr. Dale-Beckett spoke on "Prevention
from Drug Addiction"; a similar meeting for the south of the Borough was
planned for early 1972.
The Social Services Department continued their Drug Advisory Centre
at Rees House, where a senior social worker is available by appointment
or at "walk in" sessions on Tuesday evenings. The number of enquiries
slightly increased especially concerning those under 20 years of age who
turned to soft drugs as part of their adolescent rebellion. All referrals
except one came from an intermediate source.