Children living with parents who use substances are a group of children who are overlooked in legislation, policy and practice. This guide draws on research that puts children’s voices front and centre. Findings from safeguarding practice reviews consistently show clear system failures and a lack of inter-agency communication where parental substance use is identified as the primary factor in the significant injury or death of a child. Through attention to the child’s narrative, this guide will support social workers in their assessment of risk and the protective factors needed by children to buffer against the negative impact of parental substance use.
CHAT - Children Harmed by Alcohol Toolkit
A range of interactive materials that can be used with children, young people and families to build resilience and protective factors
The Corner
Free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people aged 10-18 in Sheffield. They also have a dedicated YouTube channel with harm reduction advice for young people and short introductory substance awareness videos for professionals, parents and carers.
BASW information on drug / alcohol misuse
Range of resources from the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) including pocket guides. Useful for any practitioners working with families where there are drug/alcohol issues. Resources include:
Alcohol and Other Drugs : essential info for social workers (Aug 2018)
Alcohol & Young People (October 2012)
Parental substance misuse e-learning course (SCIE)
SASS - Sheffield Alcohol Support Service
Range of specialist alcohol, drug and family services including Families Together and a specialist mentoring service for young people
The Children’s Society: Parental alcohol use resources
ADFAM
NSPCC Parental Substance Misuse
NACOA (National Association for Children of Alcoholics )
BBC Articles: Children of alcoholics
I will always be the child of an alcoholic - part of Children of Alcoholics Awareness Week - 10-16 Feb 2019.
When mum or dad is an alcoholic - 23 May 2017
Supporting pupils with substance misusing parents
Booklet for teachers and school staff including information on impacts of parental substance misuse on pupils, what schools can do to help, relevant legislation and guidance, and useful websites.
Parents, Pints and Pills
A booklet designed by young carers for young people who live with someone with a drug or alcohol problem
Sheffield Safeguarding Children Substance Misuse Service
Range of services including multi-agency training, advice, tools and resources and leaflets in relation to parental substance misuse and safeguarding the welfare of children.
The Mix
Support for under 25s with information on many issues that may affect or worry for young people, including mental health, drugs and alcohol, housing, money, and sex and relationships.