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Hacks for Youth Participants

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Like kids at site, the first thing to know about youth participants (12-18) is that most harm reduction workers are not mandatory reporters. This is not true of harm reduction workers who also happen to have certain kinds of licensure; however most people who work at harm reduction programs are not mandatory reporters, which allows them the discretion to not report if they see children in mandated reporting situations.

The knowledge that young people are using drugs would typically be such a situation. However, harm reduction organizations are not beholden to that standard. Instead, youth should absolutely be offered the most intensive services. Special referrals, education, and support should be offered to anyone under 18.

This very much includes drug education. These are the people that it is most critical to share information with around safer drug use so that they can set good habits as they move through their drug use and hopefully beyond.

Featured Hacks

These featured hacks highlight creative, practical solutions from harm reduction leaders on the ground. From DIY tools to clever workarounds, each one reflects the ingenuity, care, and real-world experience that keeps this movement alive. 

Universal Precautions: Gloves

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Medical gloves should be worn whenever handling exposed or used supplies, especially those that might be used to prepare or use injection drugs such as syringes, cottons, cookers, tourniquets, and ascorbic acid. Gloves should be changed often, especially between activities or participants.
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Principles of Harm Reduction

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These principles were developed over a period of about four years in the 1990s amid much debate among early harm reductionists, who came to consensus on these enduring principles of harm reduction.
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