§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for the co-ordination of services to deal with the problems of young people addicted to heroin and other similar drugs. [17238]
§ Ms JowellThe current drugs strategy "Tackling Drugs Together" makes young people a priority. On 25 November three new documents about young people were launched by the Standing Conference on Drug Abuse following consultation with the Department and service providers. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State was present and endorsed the documents. They outline the need for services which are appropriate for children and young people, which take a holistic approach, and which have staff with appropriate training for working with young people. They also provide detailed information about good practice, models of services and information about critical success factors. All three documents emphasise the necessity of inter-agency partnerships to deal with the problems of young people who misuse drugs.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what treatments are available from the National Health Service for heroin and other opiate addictions. [17239]
§ Ms JowellA wide range of treatment services is available through the National Health Service ranging from substitute prescribing to intensive residential rehabilitation. The Department of Heath does not have a central record of services provided. It is for health authorities to determine what services to commission from the NHS and voluntary agencies according to their assessment of local needs and priorities.