Children of parents who misuse alcohol

Children of p bents who ill-usage alcoholic beverageic beverageChildren Of P atomic number 18nts Who Mis engagement alcoholic beverage Or SubstancesIntroductionIt is estimated that in that respect be between 200,000 and 300,000 tikeren in England and Wales where one and only(a) or both pa brings choose serious dose problems. Research and local knowledge create sh own that center field and alcohol disparage in p arnts or large(predicate) women spate name a significant impact on parenting and increase risk, especi all toldy for babies and jr. children ( cloak-and-dagger legal injury 2003). This does not mean that parents who experience way / alcohol debauch are poor parents. However the impact of substance misuse problems can, on both(prenominal) occasions lead to children and families needing additional support or in a small number of cases support and multi mode disciplinary deed to prevent significant harm.The most effective judicial decision and support comes b y means of good information sharing, joint assessment of need, joint planning, professional combine within the inter confidence network and joint action in partnership with families.These guide statements get into whenever in that respect are professional concerns about the well macrocosm or condom of children whose parents or troublers have substance/ alcohol misuse problems, specifically where these difficulties are impacting, or are likely to impact, on their ability to meet the demand of their children. These guidelines also apply to professionals working with heavy(predicate) women who have substance/ alcohol misuse problems, where their partners are cognise to have substance/alcohol problems or where someone with substance misuse problems is living in a sign of the zodiac where children are present.Aims2.1. To increase the professionals understanding of the impact of an handsomes substance misuse problems on childrens lives.2.2. To enable popular and specialist ser ve to improve their identification of children in need where large(p) substance/alcohol misuse is a problem2.3. To enhance the formulation of co-ordinated services to families in which there are dependant children of parents, carers or great(predicate) women with substance/ alcohol misuse problems.Principles3.1. All those who come into contact with children, their parents and families in their everyday work have a duty to safeguard and fire the welfare of children.3.2. Parents, carers and pregnant women with substance/ alcohol misuse problems have the decently to be supported in fulfilling their parental roles and responsibilities.3.3. A multi agency cuddle to assessment and service provision is in the best interest of children and their parents/ carers.3.4. risk is reduced when information is shared effectively across agencies.3.5. Risk to children is reduced through effective multi agency and multi disciplinary working.3.6. While m some(prenominal) parents, carers and pregn ant women with substance/ alcohol abuse problems safeguard their childrens well being, childrens life chances whitethorn be limited or threatened as a emergence of these factors, and professionals need to consider this possibility.Identifying The Need Of Children, Their Parents Or Carers, Or Pregnant Women With Substance/ Alcohol Misuse Problems4.1. The birth of whatsoever spick-and-span child changes relationships and often brings recent pressures to parents. Agencies need to be sensitive and antiphonary to the changing needs of parents with substance/ alcohol misuse problems.4.2. Parents, carers or pregnant women with substance / alcohol misuse problems whitethorn have difficulties which impact on their ability to meet the needs of their children, unborn child or new baby.4.3. The adverse effects of alcohol/substance misuse on children are typically multiple and cumulative and will vary according to the childs stage of development. They may embroil fetal alcohol syndrome, c hastisement to thrive, blood-borne virus infections incomplete immunisation and otherwise inadequate health care a wide range of emotional, cognitive, behavioural and other psychological problems ahead of time substance misuse and offending behaviour and poor education attainment. These can range greatly in severity or may often be subtle and difficult to detect.4.4. There is growing recount to put forward that children often take on a caring role in families where there is parental medicine or alcohol use. In some cases, it is particularly hard for children to cope with one or more parents with medicine or alcohol dependency and they need help and support.4.5. The risk of harm to the child may be reduced by effective intervention and support for the affected parent(s) and by other factors such as the comportment of at least one other consistent, caring adult a stable home with adequate financial resources maintenance of family routines and activities and stock attending a t a supportive school.Guidelines For Referral And Assessment For Pregnant Women With Substance/ Alcohol Misuse Problems5.1 All agencies are responsible for identifying pregnant women with substance/ alcohol misuse problems who may be in need of additional services and support.5.2. When a professional identifies a pregnant women experiencing substance/ alcohol misuse problems an assessment moldiness be undertaken to determine what services she requires. This must include gathering relevant information from her GP, PDAC, the Midwifery service, in addition to any other agencies involved, to ensure that the full background is obtained about any quick or previous diagnosis, or treatment for mental illness.5.3. Consideration must be given to the impact and harm continued substance misuse has on an unborn child. Where this assessment identifies that a pregnant woman has substance / alcohol misuse problems a referral must be make to Powys Childrens services for a pre-birth assessment.5.4. Where the need for a referral is unclear, this must be discussed with a line manager or the Safeguarding Childrens Team. If a referral is not made this must be clearly documented. Staff should ensure that all decisions and the concord course of action are signed and dated. Section 10 gives guidelines in relation to assessment of risk.5.5. A pre-birth assessment should be undertaken on all pre birth referrals and a multi agency meeting held to share information. If a pre-birth multi agency meeting is not needed this must be endorsed by a manager and the reason for the decision clearly recorded on the agencys records.Guidance For Referral To Pdac6.1. In the case of pregnant women where there is evidence of problematic use of illicit, proprietary or prescribed drugs or alcohol, agencies decorous cognizant of the evidence should initially discuss the benefits of a referral to PDAC with the individual. If there is apprehension referral should thus be made to the appropriate area offi ce of PDAC. This referral may be made initially by phone, but should be followed up immediately with a written referral. In the event that the woman is already a client of PDAC it would be appropriate to confirm that the pregnancy is known to them.In the event of a woman refusing to agree to a referral being made it is the responsibility of the agency to consider whether a referral can be made without consent on Child Protection grounds. This would need to be subject of discussions between all the appropriate agencies Childrens Services, Police, Health and so forth PDAC will always be willing to discuss the appropriateness of referral introductory to formal contact being made.Guidance For Referral To Powys Childrens ServicesA referral for an initial assessment to Childrens services must always be made if a parent carer or pregnant woman is considered to have significant substance/ alcohol problems. A referral should be discussed with a line manager.NB If a child is in immediate da nger then a referral to the police/ cordial services should be made.Partnership workingAssessment and identification of parents, carers and childrens needs for services is not a static process. The assessment should also inform future work and pattern in an evaluation of the progress and effectiveness of any intervention.Where more than one agency continues to be involved in a joint assessment or provision of services for parents or carers with substance misuse problems, and their children, regular review dates must be set to jointly review the piazza and to ensure that interagency work continues to be co-ordinated. Each agency should document their own actions and responsibilities clearly and also the roles and responsibilities of other agencies.ReferencesAll Wales Child Protection ProceduresChildren conduct 1989Children Act 2004DOH (2000). Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families.Hidden Harm (ACMD) 2003Appendix AGuidelines For Professionals For Asses sing Risk When Working With Drug victimisation ParentsThe following assessment guidelines were developed by the Standing Conference on Drug Abuse (SCODA) May 1997 to assist professionals in identifying children who may be in need or at risk as a result of parental substance/ alcohol misuse. They should be used as guidelines in the holistic assessment of the family.Parental Drug Use1. Is there a drug free parent, supportive partner or relative?2. Is the drug use by the parent Experimental? Recreational? Chaotic? hooklike?3. Does the user move between categories at various times? Does the drug use also involve alcohol?4. ar levels of childcare different when a parent is using drugs and when not using?5. Is there any evidence of coexistence of mental health problems alongside the drug use? If there is, do the drugs cause these problems, or have these problems led to the drug use?Accommodation And The Home Environment6. Is the fitting adequate for children?7. ar the parents ensuri ng that the rent and bills are paid?8. Does the family remain in one area or move frequently, if the latter, why?9. argon other drug users sharing the accommodation? If they are, are relationships with them harmonious, or is there conflict?10. Is the family living in a drug using community?11. If parents are using drugs, do children come across the taking of the drugs, or other substances?12. Could other aspects of the drug use clear a risk to children (e.g. conflict with or between dealers, exposure to sad activities related to drug use)?13. Is there adequate food, clothing and warmth for the children?14. Are the children attending school regularly?15. Are children engaged in age-appropriate activities?16. Are the childs emotional needs being adequately met?17. Are there any indications that any of the children are taking on a parenting role within the family (e.g. caring for other children, excessive household responsibilities etc)? procurement Of Drugs18. Are the children left alone while their parents are procuring drugs?19. Because of their parents drug use are the children being taken to places where they could be at risk?20. How much are the drugs costing?21. How is the money obtained?22. Is this causing financial problems?23. Are the exposit being used to sell drugs?24. Are parents allowing their premises to be used by other drug users?Provision Of canonic NeedsHealth Risks25. If drugs and/or injecting equipment are kept on the premises, are they kept securely?26. Are the children awake of where the drugs are kept?27. If parents are intravenous drug usersDo they share injecting equipment?Do they use a needle exchange scheme?How do they dispose of syringes?Are parents sensible of the health risks of injecting or using drugs?28. If parents are on a stand-in prescribing programme, such as methadoneAre parents aware of the dangers of children accessing this medication?Do they take adequate precautions to ensure this does not happen?29. Are parents aware of, and in touch with, local specialist agencies who can advise on such issues such as needle exchanges, substitute prescribing programmes, detox and reformation facilities? If they are in touch with agencies, how regular is the contact?Family Social mesh And Support Systems30. Do parents and children associate primarily withOther drug users?Non-users? two?31. Are relatives aware of the drug use? Are they supportive?32. allow parents accept help from the relatives and other agencies?Parents Perception Of The Situation33. The degree of social isolation should be considered particularly for those parents living in remote areas where resources may not be available and they may experience social stigmatisation.Do the parents see their drug use as harmful to themselves or to their children?Do the parents place their own needs before the needs of their children?Are the parents aware of the legislative and procedural context applying to their circumstances, (e.g. child protection procedures, statutory powers?