Education policy and procedures register > Curriculum provision > CRP-PR-005: Drug Education and Intervention in Schools >

Dealing with Drug Related Incidents: A school-based decision

Schools address drug-related incidents on school premises or during school-related activities from one of two possible standpoints: passively or actively.

Passive Approach

A passive approach occurs after an incident is discovered. For example, a student is found in possession of a drug, such as marijuana. The substance and the student are handed over to the police. The police deal with it from that point onwards. The school deals with the student according to the school Responsible Behaviour Plan For Students as required by the policy SMS-PR-021 Safe, Supportive and Disciplined School Environment

Active Approach

An active approach recognises that even though a school does not have a visible drug problem, it has the capacity for one. This approach addresses potential problems before they manifest and maximises the opportunity for positive action when an incident occurs.
A school community which takes an active approach, rather than handing the issue over to police, will be concerned with other significant issues such as:

Where did the substance come from?
Who was with the user when the event occurred?
Who are his/her friendship networks?
What will the consequences be for the user and the friends if the source of supply continues?
Will the police have any idea of the user 's network?

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