The aims of care planning are to (National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse, 2002):
• Develop, manage and review documented care plans;
• Ensure that drug users have access to a comprehensive range of services across local drug treatment systems;
• Ensure the coordination of care across all agencies involved with the service user;
• Ensure that there is continuity of care and that clients are followed throughout their contact with the treatment system;
• Maximise client retention within the treatment system and minimise the risk of clients losing contact with the treatment and care services;
• Re-engage clients who have dropped out of the treatment system; and
• Avoid duplication of assessment and interventions.