The chief constable of the Northumbria police convened the meeting. Participants included police officers and representatives of social services, health care, probation, social work, and youth departments of local government councils. Presentations from the police, a health education officer, a social worker, and a psychiatrist involved in the field of alcohol and drug dependency spoke about the nature and extent of the problem, the role of local government personnel, and treatment. Participants agreed that sharing data about trends and policies would be desirable, using a multidisciplinary approach. They also agreed to hold an annual conference and to establish a steering committee. Copies of major presentations, group discussion topics and results, and names and titles of small group and seminar participants.