BIG YOUTH ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICE AXED

A big youth alcohol and drug service in Auckland has been axed,
leaving specialists bracing for a jump in suicide attempts. The cut
has left youth workers aghast -- and confused -- because they and
Government agencies agree that more mental health services for young
people are desperately needed.

New Zealand has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world
and the Ministry of Health's youth suicide prevention strategy says
alcohol, cannabis and other drug abuse is a factor in more than a
third of youth suicide attempts. Youth and adolescent paediatrician Dr
Peter Watson, also the president of the New Zealand Association of
Adolescent Health and Development, said the removal of intervention
services which had been run for the region by Waitemata Health was a
"disaster." "On an individual level there may be young people with
major problems who will not get the help they require and could end up
killing themselves. They could end up on the streets, they could end
up perpetuating cycles of violence and despair."

Waitemata Health says it has only ever been funded to provide services
for adults, but over the past two years had accepted about 300
referrals for youth aged 17 and under through its community units.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry