Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Warwick (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 May 2009.

Drugs

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what research has been conducted into links between drug addiction among young people and family disintegration.

Answer: The impact of family problems on young people's life-chances, including substance misuse, is well-evidenced. The Cabinet Office report Reaching Out: Think Family (www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/social_exclusion_task_force/assets/think_families/think_families_full_report.pdf) provides a summary of the most relevant research and identifies the links to government policy. The Think Family programme led by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) has built upon this research through an £80 million investment to improve local authority parenting and family support. This programme is closely linked to the Government's commitments in the National Drug Strategy (2008) to support young people and families affected by substance misuse, and to the DCSF's wider work to support young people at risk.

Secondary information