Background

The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs was launched in 2006.

There is a New Strategic Direction (for Alcohol and Drugs) Steering Group (NSDSG) whose primary role is to maintain an overview of the NSD, in particular progress on work to achieve its outcomes.

NSDSG reports to the current Ministerial Group on Public Health (MGPH). MGPH consists of senior civil servants from a wide range of Government Departments together with NIO whose business areas impact on public health and the determinants of health.

There are four Advisory Groups:

• Children, Young People and Families
• Treatment and Support
• Law and Criminal Justice
• Binge Drinking

These groups advise the NSDSG in respect of the particular issue(s), comment on current work towards the outcomes in the NSD and make recommendations as to future work and direction.

The Health Development Policy Branch (HDPB) will report on the overall progress in respect of the NSD and its associated outcomes. The HDPB works closely with the Public Health Information and Research Branch (PHIRB) in respect of monitoring, evaluating and research.

There is also a Liaison Group consisting of Chairs and Senior Co-ordinators of the local DACTs, ADPB, DAIRU and Chairs of the four Advisory Groups. They meet regularly to monitor overall progress of the NSD.

The Team »