Responding to Substance Misuse in Young People

Join us for this session designed for professionals working with children and young people across social care, education, and health. This seminar offers a clear, practical guide to recognising, responding to, and supporting young people who are misusing substances, with a focus on prevention, harm reduction, and safeguarding.

Drawing on both research and real-world practice, this course will help you understand the reasons behind substance use, the risks it poses to health and wellbeing, and how to work with young people in a way that is non-judgemental, supportive, and effective.

Why This Course Matters

Substance misuse can have a profound impact on a young person’s physical health, mental health, relationships, and future opportunities. It can also increase safeguarding risks, including exploitation and offending. Professionals need the skills to spot early warning signs, respond proportionately, and support young people in making safer choices. This course will help participants:✔️ Recognise early signs and patterns of substance misuse✔️ Understand the drivers and risk factors for substance use in young people✔️ Apply effective engagement and intervention strategies✔️ Know when and how to escalate concerns under safeguarding procedures✔️ Work collaboratively with families, schools, and specialist services

Course Highlights

🔹 Understanding Substance Misuse – Types of substances, their effects, and related risks🔹 Why Young People Use Substances – Social, emotional, and environmental factors🔹 Spotting the Signs – Changes in behaviour, appearance, and peer groups🔹 Responding Effectively – Harm reduction, motivational approaches, and building trust🔹 Safeguarding & Multi-Agency Working – When and how to seek specialist help

Meet Your Trainer: Miguel Valerio

Miguel Valerio is an experienced social care consultant, trainer, and regulatory specialist, with a strong background in youth wellbeing, safeguarding, and risk management. Before establishing himself as a trainer and consultant in the UK, Miguel was the Coordinator of an Outreach Team in the drug abuse field at Caritas, where he led frontline interventions, harm reduction initiatives, and community education programmes aimed at supporting individuals affected by substance misuse.

Miguel went on to work for more than a decade as a Operational Manager of a Social Care Provider (assuming roles as Children's Home RI and Supported Accommodation RSM) , leading teams that supported young people with complex needs, including those at risk of or engaged in substance misuse. His unique combination of frontline outreach expertise and leadership in regulated services ensures that his training is practical, grounded, and directly applicable to real-world challenges faced by professionals.