Guidance

Children and young people's alcohol and drug services: framework

This framework sets out guidance for designing, commissioning and providing alcohol and drug support for children and young people in England.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 1 October 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Children and young people's alcohol and drug services: framework

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Details

This national framework sets out clear expectations for how local areas should design, commission and provide high-quality alcohol and drug support for children and young people. It covers interventions for:

• children aged 17 and under, delivered by children and young people’s specialist drug and alcohol treatment services
• young people aged 18 to 24, as part of transitional arrangements in children and young people’s alcohol and drug services or in adult alcohol and drug treatment services

It was developed in consultation with stakeholders, including young people with lived experience.

The framework is for:

• directors of public health
• commissioners
• providers
• partner agencies supporting children and young people, including those working in public health, education, safeguarding, policing, youth justice, mental health and alcohol and drug services

Published 1 October 2026