Young people accessing support or treatment for alcohol and drugs: standards 2025

Supportive statement from COSLA

“I would like to thank the Early Interventions for Children and Young People Working Group for their work in developing the Standards which mark a welcome development in Scotland’s national response to substance use among individuals aged 25 and under.

The format of the Standards is well articulated in outlining “what should I expect” and “recommendations for service delivery”. They are framed within a human rights-based approach and co-designed with young people themselves. They reflect a progressive vision for early intervention, person-centred support, flexible access, continuity of care, and multi-agency collaboration.

They rightly emphasise the importance of building trusting relationships and allowing young people to engage at their own pace. Such relational work demands adequate staffing, time and consistency. Their success will depend not only on the commitment of individual practitioners, but on investment in the system as a whole to deliver on their promise. Local Government is committed to playing its part in their delivery.”

Councillor Paul Kelly, COSLA Health and Social Care Spokesperson