The purpose of this desk-top review is to provide evidence, insights and recommendations that will enable the cross-party Mental Health and Addiction Wellbeing Group to promote a nationally consistent approach to the establishment and development of integrated mental health, alcohol and other drug use (MH&AOD) services for young people in New Zealand.

In conducting this review, the cross-party Mental Health and Addiction Wellbeing Group has sought to take a fresh look at integrated MH&AOD care for young people with a view to reducing the gap between what is possible and what is currently being achieved in New Zealand.

To fully realise the promise of a more collaborative approach to health and social services for young people in all regions of New Zealand, government agencies need to collectively prioritise the development of integrated youth services that have a strong MH&AOD component.

Key recommendations:

• Prioritise cross-sectoral activity on the growth and development of integrated youth services that have a strong MH&AOD component.
• Strengthen the infrastructure of the service delivery system to increase its capacity and lift its performance.
• Value and amplify the role of young people as a key success factor in the development of integrated youth MH&AOD care.
• Generate the evidence that is required for public accountability and ongoing quality improvement purposes.