Aims: Until now there has been no formal guidance to help clinicians to manage substance dependence among young people. This has left practitioners concerned that their practice may not accord with the developing evidence base. This guidance document describes good practice on the best ways to manage a clinically complex condition.

Intended audience: PCTs Prison Health Leads, Senior Medical Practitioner in Young Offender Institutions and Secure Training Centres, Doctors providing services to Local Authority Secure Children’s Homes.