The priorities and objectives of the multi-agency partnership and multi-professional team were to provide the first recognized designated methadone service for adolescent drug abusers, to identify and treat psychiatric comorbidity, and to coordinate and provide liaison with other agencies and professionals. The objectives to attract, engage, and retain adolescent drug abusers into treatment were achieved with 272 youths. The project has provided a service in an appropriate environment, staffed by appropriately trained and experienced personnel. The protocols developed ensure a focused and timely response, as well as highlight the frustrations inherent in the absence of a designated service. Because there are few models of good practice nationally, and consequently even less outcome research, this paper outlines the characteristics of the first 48 patients with severe heroin dependence who accessed the designated community drug service and were prescribed methadone. Even with a background of severe disadvantage, 80 percent of the youths prescribed methadone were retained in the service. Almost 40 percent complied with or completed the agreed upon treatment plan and demonstrated improved psychosocial functioning. Predictors of a good outcome included supportive parents, educational achievement, and no psychiatric or forensic history. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to service delivery, policy developments, and research and educational activities. 1 table, 84 references, and appended illustrative case histories