| Euan Robson said the money would help thousands of social workers and health professionals, who provide drug and alcohol services, develop their skills, knowledge and expertise.
“The effects of drug and alcohol misuse are not simply confined to the individual involved,” Mr Robson said.
“It is a problem with far wider repercussions, which can damage communities, destroy families and put children at risk.
“By providing workers with the best training available, we can create a workforce with the professionalism and expertise to deal with the many problems of drug and alcohol misuse — allowing individuals and families to rebuild their lives.”
The money is to be given to the Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol organisation, which has already been able to provide 8000 places on over 600 courses thanks to Scottish Executive funding.
The deputy minister was pleased that the £500,000 would allow STRADA to offer more training opportunities to an even greater number.
Mr Robson made the announcement while visiting the Dundee premises of the Aberlour Childcare Trust in Dock Street.
Opened over two years ago as the trust developed its outreach facilities, it works intensively with an average of 30 families where there are children up to the age of 12 at risk of becoming involved in drug or alcohol misuse.
Ms Valerie Corbett, assistant director, said cases are referred to it by the social work department, the health service and the children’s hearings system. |
