Covid-19, county lines and the seriously "left behind". Issue 4 (23rd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pitts, John
• Is Part Of: Journal of children's services. Volume 15:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2020-09-23
• Subjects: Gang violence -- Drug dealing -- County lines -- Covid-19; Child care services -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Child care services -- Periodicals; Child development -- Periodicals; Social work with children -- Periodicals; 362.705
• DOI: 10.1108/JCS-06-2020-0024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1746-6660

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this study is to suggest how the Covid-19 lockdown may affect illicit drug users and vulnerable children and young people who become involved in County lines drug dealing. Design/methodology/approach: This is an "opinion piece" based on data released by central and local government departments and voluntary sector sources concerning the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions on illicit drug users and vulnerable children and young people. The data is augmented with information from recent discussions with police officers, youth workers and social workers in a London borough. Findings: It appears that the Covid-19 restrictions have had, and will continue to have, a deleterious impact upon both illicit drug users and the young people caught up in County lines drug distribution. Originality/value: The study's originality lies in its attempt to use a range of sources to anticipate the consequences of the Covid-19 restrictions on illicit drug users and vulnerable children and young people.