Parental Substance Abuse and The Social Work System

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• The classic research by Bebbington and Miles (1989) remains true: the odds of being taken into care are exponentially higher for the children of the poor. There is scant research to suggest that these parents are more addicted to alcohol or drugs, but they can't buy help, unlike their wealthier counterparts. 

• Parental substance abuse has been found to be present in around half of child deaths involving serious case reviews. 

• Every year research shows that about 11,000 parents will be treated for drug abuse.

• The effect on children can be mediated by other factors in the their lives, not the least of which is relative affluence.

• Risk is exacerbated, research shows, when combined with domestic violence and mental illness.h resp

• A public health response means linking treatment with family support services and increasing the number of health visitors/reducing their work load.

• It means mother and baby units that are available in every local authority area.

• It requires a coherent national framework for those with a dual diagnosis (substance abuse and mental health issues) to ensure adquate support. 

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PARENTAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE & THE SOCIAL WORK SYSTEM - RESEARCH LINKS

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