Child Protection Domestic Violence And Parental Substance Misuse

Focusing on the needs of children of substance misusing parents and the dilemmas faced by professionals working with them, this comprehensive book brings together for the first time theoretical and practice issues for all those involved with the crossover between responses to drug and alcohol problems and child welfare. Describing the effects of substance misuse on `good enough' parenting and attachment (and taking into account theories about substance use), the authors analyse the issues facing children, including the impact on psychological and emotional development. Emphasising the importance of developing holistic approaches, involving both child care and drug and alcohol agencies as well as families, this book presents a practical model for risk assessment and intervention that balances the 'competing' needs of parents and their children. It is an essential resource for all those working or training to work in the fields of child welfare, substance misuse, health, education and criminal justice.

This book draws on a wide range of evidence to explore the facts about the relationship between substance misuse and domestic violence and their effect on children, and examines the response of children's services when there are concerns about the safety and welfare of children. It reveals the vulnerability of these children and the extent to which domestic violence, parental alcohol or parental drug misuse impact on children's health and development, affect the adults' capacity to undertake key parenting tasks, and influence the response of wider family and the community. It includes parents' own voices and allows them to explain what help they feel would best support families in similar situations. The authors explore the extent to which current local authority plans, procedures, joint protocols and training support information sharing and collaborative working. Emphasising the importance of an holistic inter-agency approach to assessment, planning and service provision, the authors draw from the findings implications for policy and practice in both children and adult services. This book is essential reading for all professionals working to promote the welfare and wellbeing of children and those working with vulnerable adults, many of whom are parents.

We have a limited understanding of children's experiences of domestic violence, parental substance misuse and parental health problems. The complex dynamics that can surround families dealing with these issues may make it difficult for parents and professionals to understand how children feel. As a result, children's needs are often overlooked and they do not receive the support they need. This book draws on a literature review and explores what children say about living in families where there is domestic violence, parental substance misuse or parental health problems. It examines research undertaken in the UK to provide us with a better understanding of the range of children's experience. It describes the key themes in children's experiences, how children feel about the difficulties they experience at home, what their coping strategies are and the support they would like to receive.

This book presents original research outlining the key elements in responding to parental misuse of drugs and alcohol. Offers a definition of “misuse” and “addiction” and the factors that influence the nature of misuse or addiction Reviews extensively the nature and impact of parental substance misuse on children and families using the latest evidence Explores how research and theories might help inform professionals or non-professionals assessing families affected by parents who misuse drugs or alcohol Provides an in-depth discussion of Motivational Interviewing, including a critical discussion of the challenges and limitations involved in using it in child and family settings Considers the wider implications of the findings for practice and policy and argues that these responses can be used across the field of work with vulnerable children and their families

This second edition of "Children's needs - parenting capacity" updates the original exploration of the research literature in the light of legal and policy changes in England and findings from more recent national and international research. The edition has also been expanded to cover parental learning disabilities and how it may impact on parenting and children's health and development. The findings show that these parenting issues affect children differently depending on their age and individual circumstances. While some children grow up apparently unscathed, others exhibit emotional and behavioural disorders. This knowledge can inform practitioners undertaking assessments of the needs of children and their families and effective service responses. This publication is essential reading for practitioners, managers and policy makers concerned with improving the outcomes for children and families who are experiencing such problems.

It is hard to understand how society could have failed to recognize that children in abusive situations often live in families in which alcohol and other drugs are abused. Aimed at fostering more discussion between practitioners and scholars. Substance Abuse, Family Violence, and Child Welfare explores unified approaches for prevention of and treatment for children and their parents who find themselves in these circumstances.