Safe spaces needed for drug-addicted children, say grieving mums
Published 13 January, 2026
In January 2025 we investigated the failings of drug treatment for young people.
Analysis showed more than half of the 16,000 children in drug and alcohol treatment in the past year were 15 or younger.
The National Drug Treatment Monitoring System data showed a 13% rise in under-18s seeking support in 2024-25, yet experts and families say many are not receiving the help needed.
The BBC found disparities in community care, gaps in strategy and a shortage of beds for those in crisis.
Interviews
- Dr Will Haydock, chief executive, drugs charity Collective Voice
- Anita Morris, Nicola Howarth and Kate Roux: parents of children with addictions
- Councillor Jill Rhodes, chair, Cheshire East Council adults and health committee
- Spokeswoman, North Yorkshire Council
- Michael Laing, Durham County Council's corporate director for adult and health services
- Professor Dame Carol Black, government independent drugs adviser
- Spokesman, Department of Health and Social Care
- Nick Dunkley, centre manager, UKAT's Banbury Lodge in Oxfordshire, a residential facility providing treatment for a range of addictions
- Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner
- Dr Wendy Taylor, Local Government Association (LGA)
Usage
The story appeared in news bulletins on BBC Radio 2, 4, 5 & 6, and on BBC Sounds Latest News. 5Live interviewed the reporter and a live case study, with live guests. Women’s Hour featured the story across a 15-minute segment featuring case studies and experts. Local radio coverage included Leeds, Essex, Lancashire, London, Merseyside, Oxford, and Tees. Local TV coverage included packages on Look South, Look Southeast, and Look North in Hull, Leeds, Lincolnshire and North East and Cumbria. The South East investigations team published a second story Drugs awareness warning after sons' deaths and the BBC TikTok account featured a video on the story
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