Drug Testing and Treatment Orders

HC Deb 14 July 2003 vol 409 c53W

13. Mr. Salter

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to improve joint working between the police, the criminal justice system and the NHS on the implementation of Drug Testing and Treatment Orders. [125066]

Caroline Flint

The successful delivery of the Drug Treatment and Testing Order (DTTO) involves the Probation Service, treatment providers, the courts and the police, working effectively in partnership together.

In April 2002, over 97 per cent. of all Drug Advisory Teams (DATs) had a joint commissioning group in place, ensuring that best practice is followed in developing and providing appropriate treatment.

An increase of nearly 10 per cent. on the previous year. Last year 6,140 DTTOs were made, exceeding the Government's target of 6,000 Orders demonstrating that current partnership arrangements are working.