Measures targeting children and young people and reduced cannabis abuse prioritised in the Government's ANDT policy 2012

This is the Government's fourth action plan and the second within the ANDT strategy. It is in effect until 2015.

"The ANDT policy is cross-sectoral. Close cooperation between municipalities and county councils, particularly between social services and health and medical care, and involvement of values-based organisations are necessary to achieve the objectives of the ANDT strategy. The new ANDT strategy therefore has a broad focus and if the objectives are achieved, it will not only contribute to improved public health but also a better environment for children and young people to grow up in, better social welfare, reduced violence and the Government's work-first principle, since it will reduce the risk of marginalisation and exclusion. We know that this marginalisation is increasing due to risks or drug abuse," says Minister for Children and the Elderly Maria Larsson, who is the minister responsible for ANDT issues.

Concrete priority measures in 2012 within the seven long-term objectives of the ANDT strategy

The action plan follows the structure of the ANDT strategy, with the overall objective for the ANDT policy, seven long-term objectives and priority objectives that are to be achieved during the strategy period.
Numerous initiatives are in progress in several areas. But the key elements of the 2012 action plan are primarily comprised of efforts to develop national indicators for monitoring, a broad initiative against cannabis and an initiative targeting children as family members.

Monitoring the measures

Extensive development work is underway to set up an efficient system for monitoring and evaluating the ANDT strategy and, in the long term, monitoring in the ANDT area. The initiative is to help increase knowledge of what effects the measures as a whole have and provide a better knowledge base for future initiatives

National initiative against cannabis

The Government has sponsored a coordinated, broad initiative against cannabis. This includes Government support to a research and development project between the three largest cities. The objective is to reduce recruitment, increase knowledge of the negative consequences of cannabis abuse and reduce use.

Government focuses on children and young people

The Government is also focusing on a more children and family-oriented working method in the ANDT area. Social services and primary care are receiving support to develop their activities so focus is on the right of the child to protection. The objective is that all children and young people who, for example, grow up in families with substance abuse problems, mental illness or mental disability or where violence occurs, are to receive appropriate support, which presupposes that parents and professionals working in environments frequented by children are also offered support.

Clear link to implementation of the strategy and guidance to government agencies, etc.

The action plan provides a clear link to implementation of the strategy and the state funds allocated to the ANDT policy. During this electoral period, the Government is allocating close to SEK 260 annually to this work.

The action plan contains guidance for government agencies and organisations. It also contains information about which remits and initiatives will receive support in the future, and information about what new remits and initiatives the Government intends to take decisions on. In addition, proposals for inquiries planned to be started in 2012 are presented.