The social and internal affairs minister, Karen Ellemann, has unveiled new plans to fund support for young victims of alcohol and drug abuse under the age of 25.
The government has earmarked 264 million kroner to aid the strategy, which includes free treatment for children and young people who have grown up in families suffering from alcohol and drug abuse.
“I want to help children and youngsters make a break from the heavy social heritage that exists when mum or dad drinks,” said Ellemann. “Young people are the biggest victims of substance abuse.”
“We must step in when the parents fail in their responsibilities, and so I’m pleased we’ve found the money. I’ve underlined the importance of the efforts bearing fruit via voluntary organisations and associations that have the best chance of making a social impact across Denmark.”
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Considerable problem
According to the health authority Sundhedsstyrelsen, about 122,000 children and young people under the age of 18 grow up in families that struggle with alcohol problems.
The funds stem from a slush fund from 2015 and will cover a four-year period, after which about 70 million kroner will have been set aside to continue the work.
