Six-year-olds on drink and drugs

Tom is 13. He cannot read and write and he has a drug and alcohol problem which began when he was just six.

Although he is illiterate, Tom dreams one day of returning to school, then looking for employment so he can earn money and live just like everyone else.

The problem is a widespread one, Hawke's Bay District Health Board has been told.

Tom is one of eight boys enrolled in a programme in Napier. He and the other boys are considered to be prolific offenders and were referred to the programme by the police youth unit.

Programme co-ordinator Thomas Heremia and Tom gave a joint presentation to the Hawke's Bay District Health Board's community and public health advisory committee last week.

Tom told the committee how he started drinking alcohol when he was six years old and how sometimes he had to steal to fund his drug habit.

Mr Heremia said Tom's situation was not unique - there were boys like that in every town.

"It's not just a problem for Maraenui or Flaxmere. It's in places like Havelock North and Taradale as well," Mr Heremia said.

"And the problem is increasing as each day goes by - more and more youths are getting into alcohol and drugs."

Mr Heremia said it was important for the programme to take a whanau approach and that meant working with parents and families.

"You can't work with an individual in isolation and then send them back to the whanau. Families have to be part of the solution," he said.

Mr Heremia, who was a policeman in Hastings for 12 years, said the responsibility of the problems faced by youths, such as alcohol and drugs, had to be accepted by parents and their families.

He said Tom's parents were supportive but his family situation was difficult. Tom's father has a mental illness and Tom is now living with his mother and her partner, who also have children.

Tom has an interest in creative art. He loves painting, and this is an interest he will be able to follow up - when he is back on track.

"Before he can do anything he's got to go through drug and alcohol rehabilitation," Mr Heremia said.

Mr Heremia said none of the boys on the 26-week programme, called Ka Hao Te Rangatahi, had reoffended since he started working with them 15 weeks ago.

The programme's name is part of a Maori proverb which focuses on preparing youth to be the future leaders of our families.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY