Reducing Harm to Children and Families Affected by Parental Substance Misuse: Assessment of Need and Services in Midlothian and East Lothian - Summary Report

Citation

Fitzgerald N, Heywood S & Winterbottom J (2014) Reducing Harm to Children and Families Affected by Parental Substance Misuse: Assessment of Need and Services in Midlothian and East Lothian - Summary Report. Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Partnership.

Abstract
The aim of this needs assessment was to inform Priority 3 of the MELDAP Delivery Plan 2012-2015: "We will reduce the harm to children affected by parental substance misuse." Children can be affected by all levels of parental substance misuse which is widespread. Such harm is not perfectly correlated with levels or types of substance use, can occur prior to birth, through childhood and affect individuals well into adulthood. The challenge for services cannot be underestimated - many parents with substance misuse problems will never access formal treatment and the harm arising from their problems is often hidden. The full report is available on request.