In April 2013, subject to the Health and Social Care Bill becoming law, local authorities will become responsible for commissioning drug treatment and recovery services. An effective approach to tackling substance misuse will require partnership working across local authorities, health bodies and criminal justice agencies. The object is not only for individuals to overcome dependency, but to be in employment, have stable accommodation, look after their families, and cease committing crime.
The recent Building Recovery in Communities consultation generated widespread agreement across the sector around developing an integrated approach to treatment and recovery support. We will shortly publish the consultation responses but in the meantime, as part of the preparation for the establishment of Public Health England, a range of support is available for partners developing effective locally-owned systems.
For example, a new Why Invest? presentation shows how investing in local drug treatment and recovery services benefits individuals, strengthens families and makes communities safer. It complements specialist material about planning and commissioning local recovery-oriented services that is available here.