Christchurch gets treatment centre for troubled teens

The South Island is to get a residential treatment centre for teenagers battling drug and alcohol problems.

It will cost $870,000 to set up and run the centre, which is being hailed as a crucial boost to the Youth Drug Court.

Christchurch City Council led the fight to restore a residential youth treatment programme to the South Island after the only venue, in Hanmer Springs, closed 14 months ago.

Government funding of $250,000 will help to upgrade or modify existing facilities. An additional $620,000 a year has been approved to run the residential programme.

The money would be available from July 1, and was expected to pay for 10 beds for young men and women, possibly at separate venues.

Potential service providers include Christchurch's Odyssey House, which runs a day programme for young drug users, and Canterbury District Health Board.

Mr Anderton said he would convene a meeting with relevant agencies to sort out details, and he expected the centre to open "within months".