%0 Generic %A Adfam, %C London %D 2017 %F ndc:27794 %I Adfam %T When parents take drugs. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27794/ %X This booklet is intended for use by anyone talking with young people about a parent or carer’s drug or alcohol use, to help them understand and come to terms with their situation. Professionals – such as teachers, youth workers and health workers – who may come into contact with young people who they know, or suspect, are affected by the drug and/ or alcohol use of one, or both, of their parents may find it particularly useful. It is intended to be a tool by which a young person can be encouraged to discuss their life and their feelings and be reassured that there are people who can help with their situation. It should not be seen as an assessment tool - nor as a substitute for professional intervention – but as a source of support for the young person. Each page contains scenarios or prompts to help direct the young person to think about some of the issues they are facing, whilst the boxes across the bottom contain information and suggestions to help the adult reader facilitate the discussion. Section 1 – For adults • How to use this booklet • What are drugs • Effects on young people • What a young person might be going through • Assessing the risks • What the law says • The United Nations Convention on the • Rights of the Child • Resources Section 2 – for 4-10 year olds • All about drugs • I feel... • What’s going on? • I feel better • Mum and dad • My life • My future Section 3 – for 11-15 year olds • All about drugs • I feel ****! • What’s going on? • Feeling better • What mum and dad might be going through • My life • My future %0 Journal Article %A Lange, Shannon %A Probst, Charlotte %A Gmel, Gerrit %D 2017 %F ndc:27779 %I n/a %J JAMA Pediatrics %T Global prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among children and youth: a systematic review and meta-analysis. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27779/ %V Early online %X Question: What is the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among children and youth in the general population? Findings: In this meta-analysis of 24 unique studies and 1416 unique children and youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, approximately 8 of 1000 in the general population had fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and 1 of every 13 pregnant women who consumed alcohol during pregnancy delivered a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was found to be notably higher among special populations. South Africa was estimated to have the highest prevalence of FASD at 111.1 per 1000 population (95% CI, 71.1-158.4 per 1000 population), followed by Croatia at 53.3 per 1000 population (95% CI, 30.9-81.2 per 1000 population) and Ireland at 47.5 per 1000 population (95% CI, 28.0-73.6 per 1000 population). Meaning: The prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among children and youth in the general population exceeds 1% in 76 countries, which underscores the need for universal prevention initiatives targeting maternal alcohol consumption, screening protocols, and improved access to diagnostic services, especially in special populations. %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Shannon, Geoffrey %B %C Dublin %D 2017 %F ndc:27362 %I An Garda Siochana %T Audit of the exercise by An Garda Síochána of the provisions of Section 12 of the Child Care Act 1991. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27362/ %X In this audit, the Garda respondents’ accounts of contemporary policing in Ireland highlights the increasingly diverse and demanding roles expected of members of An Garda Síochána, of which child protection is now firmly a part. Chapter 1: Introduction p.1 Chapter 2: The system p.14 Chapter 3: Review and analysis of pulse p.37 3.7 Grounds upon which section 12 was invoked p.61 3.7.1 Suspicion or concern that child is being abused or neglected p.63 3.7.2 Concern for child welfare (public safety) p.65 3.7.3 Suspected emotional abuse p.66 3.7.4 Suspected neglect p.66 3.7.5 Suspected physical abuse p.68 3.7.6 Suspected sexual abuse p.69 3.7.7 Child a danger to self/others p.70 3.7.8 Child under influence of drugs/alcohol p.71 3.7.9 Domestic violence p.71 3.7.10 Mental health issues within child p.72 3.7.11 Mental health issues within parent(s) p.73 3.7.12 Active substance abuse within parents leading to abuse or neglect p.75 3.7.13 Other p.79 3.7.14 No known reason for invocation of section 12 p.82 Chapter 4: Questionnaires reviewed p.112 Chapter 5: Interviews and focus groups reviewed p.154 Chapter 6: General discussion, conclusions and recommendations p.241 %0 Journal Article %@ 1938-4114 %A Laslett, Anne-Marie %A Rankin, Georgia %A Waleewong, Orratai %A Callinan, Sarah %A Hoang, Hanh T M %A Florenzano, Ramon %A Hettige, Siri %A Obot, Isidore %A Siengsounthone, Latsamy %A Ibanga, Akanidomo %A Hope, Ann %A Landberg, Jonas %A Vu, Hanh T M %A Thamarangsi, Thaksaphon %A Rekve, Dag %A Room, Robin %D 2017 %F ndc:27620 %I n/a %J Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs %N 2 %P 195-202 %T A multi-country study of harms to children because of others' drinking. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27620/ %V 78 %X OBJECTIVE This study aims to ascertain and compare the prevalence and correlates of alcohol-related harms to children cross-nationally. METHOD National and regional sample surveys of randomly selected households included 7,848 carers (4,223 women) from eight countries (Australia, Chile, Ireland, Lao People's Democratic Republic [PDR], Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam). Country response rates ranged from 35% to 99%. Face-to-face or telephone surveys asking about harm from others' drinking to children ages 0-17 years were conducted, including four specific harms: that because of others' drinking in the past year children had been (a) physically hurt, (b) verbally abused, (c) exposed to domestic violence, or (d) left unsupervised. RESULTS The prevalence of alcohol-related harms to children varied from a low of 4% in Lao PDR to 14% in Vietnam. Alcohol-related harms to children were reported by a substantial minority of families in most countries, with only Lao PDR and Nigeria reporting significantly lower levels of harm. Alcohol-related harms to children were dispersed sociodemographically and were concentrated in families with heavy drinkers. CONCLUSIONS Family-level drinking patterns were consistently identified as correlates of harm to children because of others' drinking, whereas sociodemographic factors showed few obvious correlations. %0 Generic %A Pryce, Robert %A Buykx, Penny %A Gray, Laura %A Stone, Tony %A Drummond, Colin %A Brennan, Alan %C London %D 2017 %F ndc:27113 %I Public Health England %T Estimates of alcohol dependence in England, including estimates of children living in a household with an adult with alcohol dependence. Prevalence, trends, and amenability to treatment. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27113/ %X Estimates include: • national and local authority estimates of the number of alcohol dependent adults in need of specialist assessment and treatment • the number of alcohol dependent adults who have children living in the household at a national level • the number of children living in a household with an adult with alcohol dependence at a national level %0 Generic %C London %D 2017 %F ndc:26927 %I Drug and Alcohol Findings %T Collaborative care proceedings help keep London families together. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26927/ %V 27 February 2017 %X Five-year follow-up of London families finds better outcomes among those in the Family Drug and Alcohol Court than ordinary care proceedings. Key points from summary and commentary • A five-year follow-up of a London Family Drug and Alcohol Court for women with substance use problems and their children. • This alternative approach to ordinary care proceedings produced better outcomes relating to substance use, family reunification, and family stability. • Parents viewed the process as fair, respectful, and empowering, which contrasted with ordinary proceedings where parents felt they had no voice and did not understand the process. %0 Journal Article %A Dillon, Lucy %D 2017 %F ndc:26705 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 13 %T Young people’s views of substance use and parenting. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26705/ %V Issue 60, Winter 2017 %0 Generic %A Aynsley, Agnes %A Bradley, Rick %A Buchanan, Linssay %A Burrows, Naomi %A Bush, Marc %A Addaction, %A Youngminds, %C London %D 2017 %F ndc:27500 %I Addaction %T Childhood adversity, substance misuse and young people’s mental health. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27500/ %X Substance misuse is just one form of risk-taking behaviour, and can be a sign that young people are dealing with adversity, trauma, and/or experimenting with their identities. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are events that have a traumatic and lasting effect on the mental health of young people. Children who experience four or more adversities, are twice as likely to binge drink, and eleven times more likely to go on to use crack cocaine or heroin %0 Journal Article %@ ISSN 1465-9891 print/ISSN 1475-9942 online %A Comiskey, Catherine %A Milnes, Jennie %A Daly, Maeve %D 2017 %F ndc:25731 %I Informa healthcare %J Journal of Substance Use %N 2 %P 206-210 %T Parents who use drugs: the well-being of parent and child dyads among people receiving harm reduction interventions for opiate use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25731/ %V 22 %0 Generic %A Mentor, %C Edinburgh %D 2017 %F ndc:26780 %I Mentor %T Kinship care: children cared for by family and friends. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26780/ %X Across Scotland, thousands of grandparents, aunts and uncles, siblings and family friends look after children because their parents are unable to do so. They are known as ‘kinship carers’. If you are looking after a child in these circumstances, you are a kinship carer and this guide is for you. Mentor produced the first ever Kinship Care Guide in 2009, and we are now onto our third edition. The new guide, produced in partnership with the Scottish Government, incorporates the recent legislative changes from the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014. The guide has been produced with input from kinship carers and professionals and is a definitive guide to responsibilities, legal rights, financial rights and support for kinship carers in Scotland. %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A O'Farrell, IB %A Manning, E %A Corcoran, P %A McKernan, J %A Meaney, S %A Drummond, L %A de Foubert, P %A Greene, RA %B %C Cork %D 2017 %F ndc:27576 %I National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre %T Perinatal mortality in Ireland. Annual report 2015. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27576/ %X ‌Perinatal mortality refers to the death of babies in the weeks before or after birth. Perinatal mortality includes stillbirths (babies born with no signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy or weighing at least 500 grams) and the deaths of babies within 28 days of being born. Perinatal mortality is an important indicator of the quality of obstetric and neonatal care. Measurement of the outcome of care is central to the development of safe and high quality healthcare services. In recent years, the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) has worked with colleagues in developing an in-depth clinical audit of perinatal mortality Smoking and substance use - page 27 %0 Generic %A Local Government Association, %C London %D 2016 %F ndc:26532 %I Local Government Association %T Healthy futures: supporting and promoting the health needs of looked after children. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26532/ %X Children can come into our care for a variety of reasons. It may be as a result of neglect or abuse or illness or death in the family. Whatever the reason, it can have a traumatic impact that can last for years. It may be apparent early, or not manifest itself until later – but it is the cause of a much higher rate of emotional and mental health needs than amongst children as a whole. Looked after children and young people also have higher rates of poor physical health, sometimes the consequence of the disruption in their lives. Unless properly identified and supported, these increased needs can contribute greatly to a range of worse outcomes than can persist well into adult life. Through commissioning of public health services, local councils should ensure they have clear referral pathways into specialist substance misuse services for those young people who are assessed as requiring structured drug and alcohol interventions. %0 Generic %A Meng, Xiangfei %A D'Arcy, Carl %D 2016 %F ndc:27622 %I BioMed Central %N 1 %P 401 %T Gender moderates the relationship between childhood abuse and internalizing and substance use disorders later in life: a cross-sectional analysis. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27622/ %V 16 %X BACKGROUND: Although some studies examined the moderating role of gender in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and mental disorders later in life, a number of them examined the effects of only one or two types of maltreatment on an individual mental disorder, for instance, depression, substance use. It is of considerable clinical and theoretical importance to have in-depth understanding what roles of different types of childhood abuse play out in a wide range of mental disorders among women and men using well accepted instruments measuring abuse and mental disorders. The present study aimed to examine this issue using a large nationally representative population sample to explore the gender effect of different types of childhood abuse in mental disorders, and assess the moderating role of gender in the abuse-mental disorder relationship. METHODS: Using data from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2012: Mental Health we sought to answer this question. Respondents with information on childhood maltreatment prior to age 16 were selected (N = 23, 395). RESULTS: We found: i) strong associations between childhood abuse frequency and gender; ii) significant differences between men and women in terms of mental disorders; iii) strong associations between childhood abuse and mental disorders; and, iv) gender moderated the role of childhood abuse history on adulthood mental disorders. Females with a history of sexual abuse and/or exposure to interpersonal violence were at a greater risk of alcohol abuse or dependence later in life. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention should occur as early as possible, and should help female victims of childhood sexual abuse and/or exposure to interpersonal violence, and their families to build more constructive ways to effectively reduce the negative affects of these experiences. Recognition of the moderating role of gender on the relationship between childhood abuse history and mental disorders later in life may aid clinicians and researchers in providing optimal health services. %0 Journal Article %A Grehan, Martin %D 2016 %F ndc:26235 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 14-15 %T Factors influencing reunification between NDTC service users and their children in care. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26235/ %V Issue 59, Autumn 2016 %0 Generic %A McBride, Nyanda %A Johnson, Sophia %C Sydney %D 2016 %F ndc:26332 %I NDARC, NDRI, NCETA %N October 2016 %T Fathers and alcohol. Implications for preconception, pregnancy, infant and childhood health outcomes. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26332/ %X Alcohol consumption during preconception and pregnancy is generally considered to be the prospective mother’s responsibility, with many current international alcohol policy guidelines recommending the reduction or non-use of alcohol by pregnant women. However, research suggests that decisions about alcohol use can often be influenced by others, in particular the prospective father. %0 Journal Article %@ 1532-2491 %A Comiskey, Catherine M %A Hyland, John %A Hyland, Pauline %D 2016 %F ndc:25951 %I Taylor & Francis %J Substance Use & Misuse %N 12 %P 1600-1609 %T Parenthood, child care, and heroin use: outcomes after three years. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25951/ %V 51 %X BACKGROUND: Internationally there is a lack of measurement on the impact of childcare on people who use drugs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article was to longitudinally measure drug use, familial and social status and criminal involvement between parents and nonparents who use heroin and have children in their care. METHODS: From 2003 to 2006, 404 participants were recruited to the Research Outcome Study in Ireland Evaluating Drug Treatment Effectiveness (ROSIE) as part of a longitudinal cohort study design. Participants completed the Maudsley Addiction Profile and 88% (n = 356) completed interviews at the 3-year period. One way between groups ANOVA with post hoc tests and backward, stepwise multiple regression were employed for analysis. RESULTS: At follow-up, parents who had children in their care used heroin (p = .004), illicit methadone (p ≤ .001) and cocaine (p = .024) on fewer days than those who had no children, or those who had children but did not have children in their care. These differences were not observed at intake. Living with someone at intake who used drugs was found to be significantly associated with increased heroin (p ≤ .001), benzodiazepine (p = .039), and tobacco (p = .030) use at 3 years. Furthermore, a change in childcare status to caring for a child was associated with increased cannabis use (p = .025). Conclusion/Importance: While caring for children was associated with reduced heroin use at 3 years, living with a person who used at intake removed this effect, thus indicating that while individual based addiction theories reflected observed outcomes, social network connectedness was more influential. %0 Journal Article %@ 1369-1600 %A Kühn, Simone %A Witt, Charlotte %A Banaschewski, Tobias %A Barbot, Alexis %A Barker, Gareth J %A Büchel, Christian %A Conrod, Patricia J %A Flor, Herta %A Garavan, Hugh %A Ittermann, Bernd %A Mann, Karl %A Martinot, Jean-Luc %A Paus, Tomas %A Rietschel, Marcella %A Smolka, Michael N %A Ströhle, Andreas %A Brühl, Rüdiger %A Schumann, Gunter %A Heinz, Andreas %A Gallinat, Jürgen %D 2016 %F ndc:26676 %I Wiley %J Addiction Biology %N 3 %P 700-8 %T From mother to child: orbitofrontal cortex gyrification and changes of drinking behaviour during adolescence. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26676/ %V 21 %X Adolescence is a common time for initiation of alcohol use and alcohol use disorders. Importantly, the neuro-anatomical foundation for later alcohol-related problems may already manifest pre-natally, particularly due to smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. In this context, cortical gyrification is an interesting marker of neuronal development but has not been investigated as a risk factor for adolescent alcohol use. On magnetic resonance imaging scans of 595 14-year-old adolescents from the IMAGEN sample, we computed whole-brain mean curvature indices to predict change in alcohol-related problems over the following 2 years. Change of alcohol use-related problems was significantly predicted from mean curvature in left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Less gyrification of OFC was associated with an increase in alcohol use-related problems over the next 2 years. Moreover, lower gyrification in left OFC was related to pre-natal alcohol exposure, whereas maternal smoking during pregnancy had no effect. Current alcohol use-related problems of the biological mother had no effect on offsprings' OFC gyrification or drinking behaviour. The data support the idea that alcohol consumption during pregnancy mediates the development of neuro-anatomical phenotypes, which in turn constitute a risk factor for increasing problems due to alcohol consumption in a vulnerable stage of life. Maternal smoking during pregnancy or current maternal alcohol/nicotine consumption had no significant effect. The OFC mediates behaviours known to be disturbed in addiction, namely impulse control and reward processing. The results stress the importance of pre-natal alcohol exposure for later increases in alcohol use-related problems, mediated by structural brain characteristics. %0 Generic %A Gunn, JKL %A Rosales, CB %A Center, KE %A Nunez, A %A Gibson, SJ %A Christ, C %A Ehiri, JE %D 2016 %F ndc:25440 %I BMJ Publishing %N e009986 %T Prenatal exposure to cannabis and maternal and child health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25440/ %V 6 %0 Journal Article %A Grehan, Martin %D 2016 %F ndc:25146 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 17-18 %T Grandparents caring full-time for grandchildren owing to parental drug use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25146/ %V Issue 56, Winter 2016 %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Ireland. Department of Health, %B %C Dublin %D 2016 %F ndc:25218 %I Department of Health %T Creating a better future together. National Maternity Strategy 2016-2026. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25218/ %0 Report %A Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, %B %C Dublin %D 2016 %F ndc:26734 %I Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital %T Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital annual clinical report 2014. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26734/ %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Corcoran, P %A Manning, E %A O'Farrell, IB %A McKernan, J %A Meaney, S %A Drummond, L %A de Foubert, P %A Greene, RA %B %C Cork %D 2016 %F ndc:27575 %I National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre %T Perinatal mortality in Ireland. Annual report 2014. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27575/ %X ‌Perinatal mortality refers to the death of babies in the weeks before or after birth. Perinatal mortality includes stillbirths (babies born with no signs of life after 24 weeks of pregnancy or weighing at least 500 grams) and the deaths of babies within 28 days of being born. Perinatal mortality is an important indicator of the quality of obstetric and neonatal care. Measurement of the outcome of care is central to the development of safe and high quality healthcare services. In recent years, the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) has worked with colleagues in developing an in-depth clinical audit of perinatal mortality. Smoking and substance use - page 29 %0 Journal Article %@ 1932-6203 %A MacDonald, Kai %A Thomas, Michael L %A Sciolla, Andres F %A Schneider, Beacher %A Pappas, Katherine %A Bleijenberg, Gijs %A Bohus, Martin %A Bekh, Bradley %A Carpenter, Linda %A Carr, Alan %A Dannlowski, Udo %A Dorahy, Martin %A Fahlke, Claudia %A Finzi-Dottan, Ricky %A Karu, Tobi %A Gerdner, Arne %A Glaesmer, Heide %A Grabe, Hans Jörgen %A Heins, Marianne %A Kenny, Dianna T %A Kim, Daeho %A Knoop, Hans %A Lobbestael, Jill %A Lochner, Christine %A Lauritzen, Grethe %A Ravndal, Edle %A Riggs, Shelley %A Sar, Vedat %A Schäfer, Ingo %A Schlosser, Nicole %A Schwandt, Melanie L %A Stein, Murray B %A Subic-Wrana, Claudia %A Vogel, Mark %A Wingenfeld, Katja %D 2016 %F ndc:25865 %I PLOS %J PloS one %N 1 %P e0146058 %T Minimization of childhood maltreatment is common and consequential: results from a large, multinational sample using the childhood trauma questionnaire. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25865/ %V 11 %X Childhood maltreatment has diverse, lifelong impact on morbidity and mortality. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) is one of the most commonly used scales to assess and quantify these experiences and their impact. Curiously, despite very widespread use of the CTQ, scores on its Minimization-Denial (MD) subscale-originally designed to assess a positive response bias-are rarely reported. Hence, little is known about this measure. If response biases are either common or consequential, current practices of ignoring the MD scale deserve revision. Therewith, we designed a study to investigate 3 aspects of minimization, as defined by the CTQ's MD scale: 1) its prevalence; 2) its latent structure; and finally 3) whether minimization moderates the CTQ's discriminative validity in terms of distinguishing between psychiatric patients and community volunteers. Archival, item-level CTQ data from 24 multinational samples were combined for a total of 19,652 participants. Analyses indicated: 1) minimization is common; 2) minimization functions as a continuous construct; and 3) high MD scores attenuate the ability of the CTQ to distinguish between psychiatric patients and community volunteers. Overall, results suggest that a minimizing response bias-as detected by the MD subscale-has a small but significant moderating effect on the CTQ's discriminative validity. Results also may suggest that some prior analyses of maltreatment rates or the effects of early maltreatment that have used the CTQ may have underestimated its incidence and impact. We caution researchers and clinicians about the widespread practice of using the CTQ without the MD or collecting MD data but failing to assess and control for its effects on outcomes or dependent variables. %0 Report %A Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, %B %C Galway %D 2016 %E Murray, Mary %F ndc:26466 %I Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force %T Family support handbook. Information for families affected by someone’s drug and alcohol use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26466/ %X This book was put together by practitioners working in the area of drug and alcohol support and is based on recommendations from family members that had previously sought information and support. Table of contents • Introduction p.3 • Information about drugs p.5 • Most commonly used drugs p.7 • Signs and symptoms of drug use p.17 • The nature and phases of drug use p.18 • What is dependency/addiction? P.19 • Understanding change p.21 • Health issues arising from substance use p.23 • Substance use and mental health p.25 • Overdose risks p.26 • Methadone p.28 • Drugs and the law p.29 • Legal aid p.34 • Drugs and the family p.37 • Self-care p.43 • What is mindfulness and meditation? P.46 • Social work and child welfare p.49 • Help for grandparents and other carers p.50 • Care options p.52 • Bereavement p.55 • Drug related intimidation p.57 • Crime & prison p.59 • Information on support services available p.61 %0 Generic %A ADFAM, %C London %D 2015 %F ndc:24850 %I Adfam %T Medications in drug treatment: tackling the risks to children - one year on. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24850/ %X Our research has revealed that far more children than previously thought are dying and being hospitalised after ingesting medications prescribed to treat their parents’ drug addiction. The report builds on Adfam’s previous work on this topic, looking at progress made in the last year, providing updated statistics and information, and giving recommendations to practitioners and policymakers on how to reduce risk and the incidence of these tragic occurrences. Our research found that in the ten years to 2013, at least 110 children and teenagers aged 18 and under in the UK died from the toxic effects of opioid substitution therapy (OST) medications used primarily to help people overcome heroin addiction. In this time, at least 328 children in England were hospitalised and diagnosed with methadone poisoning. Of the 73 deaths in England and Wales, only seven resulted in Serious Case Reviews. Since Adfam first reported on this tragic phenomenon in 2014, these cases have continued to occur, with at least three new Serious Case Reviews in the last year. Whilst in many cases children consumed the medications accidentally, some were deliberately given them by their parents in a misguided attempt to help soothe or send them to sleep. The mortality statistics also show the majority of fatal poisonings involve older, rather than younger children – but little is known about how or why these incidents occur. %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Tusla Child and Family Agency, %B %C Dublin %D 2015 %F ndc:24898 %I Tusla %T Assessment, consultation and therapy service annual report 2014 and service plan 2015. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24898/ %X ACTS is a national specialist clinical service which provides multidisciplinary consultation, assessment and focused interventions to young people who have high risk behaviours associated with complex clinical needs. ACTS also supports other professionals in their ongoing work with young people and their families. This includes: • On-site therapeutic services to young people in secure settings in Ireland (Special Care and the Children Detention Schools); • Ongoing support when young people return to community settings to help them to reengage with mainstream services, as appropriate; • Support through some of the difficult transitions in young people’s lives; • Consultation in the community for young people at significant risk of placement in secure settings. ACTS provides multidisciplinary interventions supported by evidence based research literature; clinically informed practice based evidence; best international practice and in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and guidelines. The aim of the service is to facilitate the provision of more therapeutic environments in the national Special Care Units and Children Detention Schools and to work in partnership with others to improve outcomes for the most vulnerable young people in Ireland. This document outlines the purpose and vision of this service as well as a set of core values. Together these inform the strategic focus of the service and form the basis for service development priorities for 2015. %0 Generic %A Williams, Janet F %A Smith, Vincent C %D 2015 %F ndc:26067 %I American Academy of Pediatrics %N 5 %T Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Clinical report: Guidance for the clinician in rendering pediatric care. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26067/ %V 136 %X Prenatal exposure to alcohol can damage the developing fetus and is the leading preventable cause of birth defects and intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. In 1973, fetal alcohol syndrome was first described as a specific cluster of birth defects resulting from alcohol exposure in utero. Subsequently, research unequivocally revealed that prenatal alcohol exposure causes a broad range of adverse developmental effects. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the general term that encompasses the range of adverse effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. The diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome are specific, and comprehensive efforts are ongoing to establish definitive criteria for diagnosing the other FASDs. A large and growing body of research has led to evidence-based FASD education of professionals and the public, broader prevention initiatives, and recommended treatment approaches based on the following premises: ▪ Alcohol-related birth defects and developmental disabilities are completely preventable when pregnant women abstain from alcohol use. ▪ Neurocognitive and behavioral problems resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure are lifelong. ▪ Early recognition, diagnosis, and therapy for any condition along the FASD continuum can result in improved outcomes. ▪ During pregnancy: ◦no amount of alcohol intake should be considered safe; ◦there is no safe trimester to drink alcohol; ◦all forms of alcohol, such as beer, wine, and liquor, pose similar risk; and ◦binge drinking poses dose-related risk to the developing fetus. %0 Journal Article %@ 0332-4683 %A McGivern, Aidan %A McDonnell, Chloe %D 2015 %F ndc:24712 %I Irish Association of Social Workers %J The Irish Social Worker %P 17-23 %T Vulnerable families and drug use: examining care admissions of children of parents attending an Irish drug treatment facility. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24712/ %V Spring %X Harmful substance use has a detrimental effect on parenting and child welfare agencies consistently confirm such usage as a primary factor in initial referral. This article examines the circumstances of child admissions to care over a nine year period, from families where one or both parents attend a centralized drug treatment services. A recurrent theme during the study period was low rates of family reunifications within a twelve month period. Furthermore, we identified factors which in the view of natural parents and the service social work team have contributed significantly when families have been reunited. %0 Generic %A McEvoy, Olivia %C Dublin %D 2015 %F ndc:24470 %I Government Publications %T A practical guide to including seldom-heard children and young people in decision making. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24470/ %0 Report %9 Other %A Child Care Law Reporting Project, %B %C Dublin %D 2015 %F ndc:23681 %I Child Care Law Reporting Project %T Child Care Law Reporting Project: case histories 2015 volume 1. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23681/ %X The Child Care Law Reporting Project was established to examine and report on child care proceedings in the courts. In this volume we focus on a special category of child care cases, those involving children who must be cared for in a secure unit in order to receive the therapy they need. These are children with severe problems, who require to be detained for their own protection. They may be suicidal or self-harming, or engaging in such anti-social behaviour as to be a threat to others. Because they have not be convicted on any criminal offence, the power to detain them is only vested in the High Court, and their detention must be regularly and frequently reviewed to verify that it is still required, so they come before this court on a regular basis, on what is known as the “Minors’ List”, heard every Thursday. As in previous volumes, a number of cases involved the children of parents who were abusing drugs, alcohol or both. Some had been in care themselves. These included a case where an infant was found in a car on a cold night with two adults who were about to smoke heroin, and where the child had a gash to his neck he said was caused by his father. %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, %B %C Dublin %D 2015 %F ndc:23761 %I Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital %T Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital annual clinical report 2013. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23761/ %X A total of 8554 mothers attended the Coombe Hospital in 2013, 7986 mothers delivered 8170 infants. Some figures (p.15): • 12.8% were current smokers; this was the lowest percentage over 7 years (highest in 2007:17.3%); • 1.4% were consuming alcohol at the time of booking (showing a steady decline over the last 4 years; 3.5% in 2010); • 0.7% were taking illicit drugs or methadone (range over 7 years: 0.6% - 1.2%); • 8.7% had a history of previous drug use (the highest in 7 years) See also pdf p.63 %0 Journal Article %A Keane, Martin %D 2015 %F ndc:23692 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 10-11 %T Adolescents and parental substance misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23692/ %V Issue 53, Spring 2015 %0 Journal Article %@ 0790-9667 %A Keeley, Helen S %A Mongwa, T %A Corcoran, P %D 2015 %F ndc:23244 %I Cambridge %J Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine %N Special issue 01 youth mental health %P 107-116 %T The association between parental and adolescent substance misuse: findings from the Irish CASE study. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23244/ %V 32 %X Background: Self-report data from 2716 adolescents aged 15–17 years old in Irish schools were analysed to consider the association between psycho-social factors and the presence of adolescent substance and alcohol abuse, with an emphasis on family circumstances. Methods: Data were collected using the ‘Lifestyle and Coping Questionnaire’ which includes questions about lifestyle, coping, problems, alcohol and drug use, deliberate self-harm, depression, anxiety, impulsivity and self-esteem. Two additional questions were added to the standard questionnaire regarding parental substance misuse. Results: Adolescent substance abuse was more common in boys; parental substance misuse increased the risk of adolescent abuse of alcohol and drugs; the increased risk was marginally higher if the parental substance abuse was maternal rather than paternal; the increased risk was higher if the parental substance abuse affected both rather than one of the parents, especially regarding adolescent drug abuse; the magnitude of the increased risk was similar for boys and girls. Parental substance misuse increased the risk of adolescent substance abuse even after adjusting for other family problems and the adolescent’s psychological characteristics. Conclusions: This study indicates that parental substance misuse affects the development of both alcohol and drug misuse in adolescent children independent of other family problems and the psychological characteristics of the adolescent. A wider perspective is needed, including societal and family issues, especially parental behaviour, when attempting to reduce risk of adolescent addiction. The impact on children of parental substance misuse also needs consideration in clinical contexts. %0 Report %9 Other %A Child Care Law Reporting Project, %B %C Dublin %D 2015 %F ndc:23243 %I Child Care Law Reporting Project %T Child Care Law Reporting Project: Case histories 2014 volume 4. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23243/ %X We publish here our fourth and final volume of case reports for 2014. These include both lengthy and complex cases and accounts of single days in District Courts hearing child care applications, when over a dozen cases, including reviews of existing orders, are often heard in one afternoon. They bring to 101 the number of such reports published in 2014. The cases again show a wide variation in the reasons why the Child and Family Agency seeks orders protecting children, either by taking them into State care or with Supervision Orders. These range from drug or alcohol addiction on the part of parents, leading to neglect, to serious behavioural or health problems on the part of the children. %0 Generic %A Laslett, Anne-Marie %A Mugavin, Janette %A Jiang, Heng %A Manton, Elizabeth %A Callinan, Sarah %A MacLean, Sarah %A Room, Robin %C Canberra %D 2015 %F ndc:25251 %I Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education %T The hidden harm: alcohol’s impact on children and families. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/25251/ %0 Generic %A International HIV/AIDS Alliance, %A Harm Reduction International, %A Save the Children, %A Youth RISE, %C London %D 2015 %F ndc:24785 %I International HIV/AIDS Alliance %T Step by step toolkit. Preparing for work with children and young people who inject drugs. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24785/ %X Globally, the protection and care of children and young people who inject drugs receives little attention. It is a controversial and often misunderstood issue and one that is severely underfunded. Global research presents shocking figures and evidence of restrictive laws preventing young people from accessing harm reduction. Rarely are services developed with children under 18 in mind, and organisations often lack capacity to attend to this highly vulnerable group. Young people also report experiencing significant barriers to accessing harm reduction services when they are under 18 due to a number of factors, including staff attitudes and organisational policies and practices. This tool is a product of a partnership between Harm Reduction International (HRI), Youth Rise, International HIV/AIDS Alliance and Save the Children and was developed in response to HRI research on injecting drug use among under 18s globally that highlighted gaps in the response for this group. This resource is intended for harm reduction service providers with limited experience of working with children and young people who inject drugs. It sets out a process that you can go through quickly, with little cost, to prepare for work with children and young people who are under 18. It is designed to help your organisation and staff to feel safe in commencing this work, and to support you in thinking through the challenging situations and decisions that you face. In some cases, it may lead you to decide that you are not yet ready to go ahead with this work. %0 Generic %A Manning, Joanna %A Horst, Caroline %C London %D 2015 %F ndc:24830 %I The Children's Society %T Help me understand. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24830/ %0 Journal Article %@ 1533-256X print/1533-2578 online %A O'Leary, Megan %A Butler, Shane %D 2015 %F ndc:24949 %I Taylor & Francis %J Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions %N 4 %P 352-372 %T Caring for grandchildren in kinship care: what difficulties face Irish grandparents with drug-dependent children? %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24949/ %V 15 %0 Journal Article %A O'Reilly, Lisa %A Dolan, Pat %D 2015 %F ndc:24246 %I Oxford University Press %J British Journal of Social Work %N 5 %P 1191-1207 %T The voice of the child in social work assessments: age-appropriate communication with children. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24246/ %V 46 %X This article describes a child-centred method for engaging with children involved in the child protection and welfare system. One of the primary arguments underpinning this research is that social workers need to be skilled communicators to engage with children about deeply personal and painful issues. There is a wide range of research that maintains play is the language of children and the most effective way to learn about children is through their play. Considering this, the overarching aim of this study was to investigate the role of play skills in supporting communication between children and social workers during child protection and welfare assessments. The data collection was designed to establish the thoughts and/or experiences of participants in relation to a Play Skills Training (PST) programme designed by the authors. The key findings of the study reveal that the majority of social work participants rate the use of play skills in social work assessments as a key factor to effective engagement with children. Of particular importance, these messages address how social work services can ensure in a child-centred manner that the voice of children is heard and represented in all assessments of their well-being and future care options. %0 Journal Article %A Sinnott, Carol %A McHugh, Sheena %A Fitzgerald, Anthony P %A Bradley, Colin %A Kearney, Patricia M %D 2015 %F ndc:23863 %I Oxford %J Family Practice %N 3 %P 269-275 %T Psychosocial complexity in multimorbidity: the legacy of adverse childhood experiences. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23863/ %V 32 %X Background. To effectively meet the health care needs of multimorbid patients, the most important psychosocial factors associated with multimorbidity must be discerned. Our aim was to examine the association between self-reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and multimorbidity and the contribution of other social, behavioural and psychological factors to this relationship. Methods. We analysed cross-sectional data from the Mitchelstown study, a population-based cohort recruited from a large primary care centre. ACE was measured by self-report using the Centre for Disease Control ACE questionnaire. A 10-item questionnaire categorizes ACE into three groups that relate to: abuse (emotional, physical or sexual), neglect (emotional or physical) and household dysfunction (domestic abuse, parents divorced, parents in prison, parental addiction or parental mental illness). Results. Of 2047 participants, 45.3% (n = 927) reported multimorbidity. ACE was reported by 28.4% (n = 248) of multimorbid participants, 21% (n = 113) of single chronic disease participants and 16% (n = 83) of those without chronic disease. Conclusions. Multimorbidity is independently associated with a history of ACEs. These findings demonstrate the psychosocial complexity associated with multimorbidity and should be used to inform health care provision in this patient cohort. %0 Generic %A Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Information Service, %C London %D 2014 %F ndc:24074 %I Mentor ADEPSIS %T Involving families affected by substance use in alcohol and drug education. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24074/ %X Using visitors to enhance alcohol and drug education sessions is a common approach taken by many schools, with teachers feeling that people with direct experience can bring a valuable ‘real life’ element to lessons. Similarly, good practice guidance states that external contributors represent a key source of advice and support for schools in the delivery of alcohol and drug education. But whilst visitors can bring benefits if used properly, a lack of care and attention to good practice can result in sessions having limited, or even negative, outcomes. Although this document contains relevant learning on how schools can use any sort of visitor to enhance alcohol and drug education, it focuses particularly on contributions from families affected by substance use: for example, a parent whose child experienced problems with drugs or alcohol. This resource aims to: •Help schools and families to accrue benefits and avoid mistakes in collaborating to deliver alcohol and drug education •Ensure approaches are based on available evidence and good practice •Make sessions as beneficial as possible for pupils, families and teachers. %0 Report %9 Other %A Coulter, Carol %B %C Dublin %D 2014 %F ndc:22863 %I Child Care Law Reporting Project %T Child Care Law Reporting Project: second interim report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22863/ %X This is the second Interim Report of the Child Care Law Reporting Project, updating the overview of the reports published on the website and publishing the results of the data collected since the first Interim Report, that is, between September 2013 and mid-July 2014. During that time we attended child care proceedings in 29 courts, presided over by different judges. We recorded data from 486 cases, involving 864 children. We published four further volumes of reports on child care proceedings, bringing to 160 the total number of reports on the website. The first Interim Report, which can be found on www.childlawproject.ie, outlined the legislative framework and background to the project, so this is not necessary again. The third and final report of this phase of the project, based on our first three years’ work, will be published next year and will contain conclusions and recommendations drawn from all the reports published and the data collected in that time. Our methodology is based on attendance at child care proceedings, reporting the main cases heard and collecting data on all cases dealt with in court, including those disposed of briefly. It does not include structured interviews with participants – judges, social workers, parents, etc. While we have had a number of informal discussions with members of the judiciary, the legal representatives of both the Child and Family Agency and parents, guardians ad litem and others, they do not form part of the reports and nothing discussed in any informal setting is published in any form. Rather they inform the context in which the reports are written and the data is analysed. Therefore the essential work of the project is attending court, writing reports for the Publications section of the website and collecting data on data sheets which is then analysed and published in these reports. That can be found in Appendix II of this report, and we publish a commentary on these results in Chapter I. The main issues that emerge from the reported cases are examined in Chapter 2. We publish some interim observations and suggestions for improvements in child care proceedings in Chapter 3, but our final recommendations will not come until next year. We used the Courts Service statistics for child care applications as a guide in the allocation of our reporting resources to courts, seeking to report from them according to the volume they dealt with. We are also grateful to the Child and Family Agency for providing us with the statistics of Arthur Cox Consultancy Services on the applications obtained by solicitors acting for the CFA around the country, which provided a second source for the volumes of cases dealt with according to geographical area. Both of these sources showed that approximately one third of all applications were sought and obtained in Dublin. However, the statistics from Arthur Cox, and other data from the Child and Family Agency, are based on former HSE regions, which do not accord with District Court areas. This makes direct comparisons difficult outside of Dublin. Our statistics in our first year of operation, which covered the eight months from December 2012 until July 2013, were heavily weighted in favour of Dublin, the location of 80 per cent of the cases we attended. We sought to correct this in the current year, and we succeeded, with Dublin accounting for only 34.8 per cent of this year’s cases. The remaining 65.2 per cent of cases were spread over 29 District Courts and 35 judges, including a number of “moveable” judges, who are not tied to a specific District. We are therefore satisfied that this year’s statistics are more representative of national trends than last year’s.... %0 Journal Article %A Curtin, Margaret %D 2014 %F ndc:22923 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 21-22 %T Supporting children in families experiencing mental health difficulties. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22923/ %V Issue 51, Autumn 2014 %0 Journal Article %A Lyons, Suzi %D 2014 %F ndc:21684 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 15-16 %T Stakeholder consultation on Hidden Harm. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/21684/ %V Issue 49, Spring 2014 %0 Generic %A National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, %C London %D 2014 %F ndc:18912 %I National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence %T Reducing substance misuse among vulnerable children and young people overview. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18912/ %X NICE Pathways is an online tool for health and social care professionals that brings together all related NICE guidance and associated products in a set of interactive topic-based diagrams. Visually representing everything NICE has said on a particular topic, the pathways enable you to see at a glance all of NICE's recommendations on a specific clinical or health topic. There are sections on: • Working with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people • Preventing alcohol-use disorders • Smoking prevention and cessation in schools %0 Report %9 Other %A Hope, Ann %B %C Dublin %D 2014 %F ndc:21590 %I Health Service Executive %T Alcohol’s harm to others in Ireland. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/21590/ %X In Ireland, the burden of alcohol related harm is often experienced by those around the drinker, be they family member, friend, co-worker or innocent ‘bystander’. Alcohol’s harm to others (AH2O) undermines public safety and is experienced in every community. The negative effects from other people’s drinking are visible in the public domain and can range from the nuisance factor, feeling unsafe in public places to the violent attack by an intoxicated drinker. Physical assaults and driving a car while under the influence of alcohol can contribute to injuries, accidents, disabilities and death of innocent people. Although not often publically visible, alcohol’s harm to others within the family can have very serious consequences for the safety and well-being of family members, with children being the most vulnerable. The World Health Organisation (WHO), in its Global Strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol, called for special attention to be given to reducing harm to people other than the drinker and to populations that are at particular risk (WHO 2010). This report examines alcohol’s harm to others in three Irish settings – the general population, in the workplace and children in families. The information is based on self reported responses in the national drinking surveys of 2006 and 2010, funded by the Health Service Executive. %0 Journal Article %A Barrett, Alan %A Kamiya, Yumiko %A O’Sullivan, Vincent %D 2014 %F ndc:22495 %I Science Direct %J Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics %P 10-16 %T Childhood sexual abuse and later-life economic consequences. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22495/ %V 53 %X Control variables for childhood adversity other than sexual abuse such as parental alcohol or substance abuse were included. Respondents were asked questions relating to problem drinking. %0 Journal Article %@ 1393-8088 %A Latham, Linda %D 2014 %F ndc:22248 %I Medmedia Group %J World of Irish Nursing & Midwifery %N 5 %P 55-56 %T Alcohol misuse and the family. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22248/ %V 22 %X Nurses are ideally placed to spot the signs of alcohol abuse and should be prepared to open a conversation about the issue with family members. Starting a conversation about alcohol misuse, whether it be with a spouse, a family or with friends, is a culturally awkward endeavour in Ireland. Despite the fact that Irish society tolerates a high level of alcohol consumption, it is a conversation that should be encouraged well before children start experimenting with alcohol. This conversation should be initiated tentatively by nurses, whether at work, in the community or in their own homes. Some estimates suggest that nurses misuse drugs and alcohol at nearly the same rate (10-15%) as the rest of the population. The American Nurses Association estimates that 6-8% of nurses use alcohol or drugs to an extent that is sufficient to impair professional performance. It may be very uncomfortable for us to consider that a nurse can be high functioning and high achieving though suffering from a substance-use disorder such as alcoholism. Therefore, it makes sense that the conversation starts with us..... %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Manning, E %A Corcoran, Paul %A Meaney, S %A Greene, Richard A %B %C Cork %D 2014 %F ndc:22652 %I National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre %T Perinatal mortality in Ireland annual report 2012. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22652/ %X Smoking and substance abuse page 23. %0 Generic %A National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, %C Sydney %D 2014 %F ndc:27681 %I National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre %T Supporting pregnant women who use alcohol or other drugs - a guide for primary health care professionals. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/27681/ %0 Generic %A Hutchinson, Delyse M %A Mattick, Richard P %A Braunstein, Danya %A Maloney, Elizabeth %A Wilson, Judy %C Sydney %D 2014 %F ndc:22394 %I National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre %T The impact of alcohol use disorders on family life: a review of the empirical literature. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22394/ %X This report aimed to review the empirical literature on the impact of parental alcohol use disorders on family life. The report focused specifically on harms inflicted by the problematic consumption of alcohol on members of the family, particularly spouses and children, and on the functioning of the family unit as a whole. The key objectives of this report were to (a) improve understanding of the nature and extent of the impacts, (b) provide specific directions for future research, and (c) identify salient factors to be incorporated in national health policies, and prevention and treatment initiatives that aim to reduce the burden of alcohol use disorders in Australia. %0 Journal Article %@ 1360-0443 %A Cleary, Brian J %A Reynolds, K %A Eogan, Maeve %A O'Connell, MP %A Fahey, T %A Gallagher, Paul J %A Clarke, T %A White, Martin J %A McDermott, C %A O'Sullivan, A %A Carmody, Deirdre %A Gleeson, J %A Murphy, Deidre J %D 2013 %F ndc:18937 %I Wiley-Blackwell %J Addiction %N 4 %P 762-770 %T Methadone dosing and prescribed medication use in a prospective cohort of opioid-dependent pregnant women. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18937/ %V 108 %X This study aimed to i) describe methadone dosing before, during and after pregnancy, ii) to compare the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) between those with dose decreases and those with steady or increasing doses and iii) to describe prescribed medication use among opioid dependent pregnant women. %0 Generic %A Adfam, %C London %D 2013 %F ndc:20890 %I Adfam %T Identifying and supporting children affected by parental substance use. Resource for schools. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20890/ %X How can schools identify and support pupils affected by parental substance misuse? This resource has been developed for the UK Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Information Service (ADEPIS) by Adfam, the national umbrella organisation for those working with and for families affected by drugs and alcohol, and is intended to be a useful tool to help schools in safeguarding their pupils. ADEPIS is a project funded by the UK Department for Education which aims to provide good practice and evidence-based examples, and useful resources for the delivery of effective drug and alcohol education in schools. %0 Report %9 Other %A Coulter, Carol %B %C Dublin %D 2013 %F ndc:20856 %I Child Care Law Reporting Project %T Child Care Law Reporting Project: interim report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20856/ %X Introduction: Background to the Project 1 Chapter 1: Setting up the project 6 Chapter 2: Cases reported on the website 11 Chapter 3: Data analysis 17 Chapter 4: Interim observations 24 Appendix 1: Glossary 33 Appendix 2: Tables 35 %0 Generic %A Adfam, %C London %D 2013 %F ndc:24072 %I Mentor ADEPSIS %T Identifying and supporting children affected by parental substance misuse – Resource for schools. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/24072/ %X How can schools identify and support pupils affected by parental substance misuse? This resource has been developed for the Alcohol and Drug Education and Prevention Information Service (ADEPIS) by Adfam, the national umbrella organisation for those working with and for families affected by drugs and alcohol, and is intended to be a useful tool to help schools in safeguarding their pupils. The purpose of this resource: When schools and teachers think about ‘drugs’, they may often initially focus on incidents on school grounds and how to respond to them, students at risk of using substances, or perhaps about drug education. However, substance use can impact the lives of young people in many ways, especially if they are affected by problematic drug or alcohol use in their own homes. This resource aims to summarise the key issues for children affected by parental substance use, and how schools can consider supporting them. It is aimed primarily at school governors and headteachers, but will also be relevant to members of staff with particular pastoral care duties, including school nurses, Education Welfare Officers, and anyone identified as a Designated Senior Person (DSP) for child protection in schools. Key messages: • Parental substance use is not a problem that schools can ‘solve’ alone, nor is it an issue they should turn a blind eye to • Schools have both the responsibility and the ability to support children affected by parental substance use • Safeguarding is a matter of child welfare, not drug and alcohol expertise • Existing structures/policies cover most of this work already, but added focus is needed %0 Report %9 Other %A McElvaney, Rosaleen %A Tatlow-Golden, Mimi %A Webb, Roisin %A Lawlor, Eilis %A Merriman, Brian %B %C Dublin %D 2013 %F ndc:20226 %I Children's Mental Health Coalition %T Someone to care: the mental health needs of children and young people in the care and youth justice system. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20226/ %X This report hears from eight young adults who have been through the care system and yet show remarkable resilience. They are taking steps to move forward in their lives and have a valuable contribution to make. If we can put in place the right mental health supports for children in the care and youth justice system, we will be building better futures not just for them, but for society as a whole. We will have worked to use our new understanding of their needs to build a transformed future. The lives of our children, all of our children, will ultimately be the better for that. This report marks what the Coalition hopes will be the beginning of a process. It clearly identifies the need for a coherent and comprehensive national strategy addressing the mental health needs of young people in care and in the youth justice system. The mental health needs of these children and young people should, crucially, be central to any new policy and service developments which are currently underway in the reform of children’s services. At the heart of this process must be the young people themselves. As experts by experience, they must be involved in the planning, development and delivery of the system. Amnesty International Ireland’s 2011 polling revealed a high level of confidence in children’s ability to make decisions for themselves and in their trustworthiness. Nearly all respondents (86%) agreed it was important children have their opinions taken into account in significant decisions that affect them, while 67% agreed that children are trustworthy when voicing their opinions on decisions that will affect them. We must start listening. %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2013 %F ndc:20130 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 8-10 %T How are the children? %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20130/ %V Issue 46, Summer 2013 %0 Journal Article %@ 1873-6483 %A Comiskey, Catherine %D 2013 %F ndc:17577 %I Elsevier %J Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment %N 1 %P 90-96 %T A 3 year national longitudinal study comparing drug treatment outcomes for opioid users with and without children in their custodial care at intake. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17577/ %V 44 %X The aim of this research was to measure the longitudinal effects of having children in a client's custodial care, on opioid treatment outcomes. A 3 year national, longitudinal study was implemented. Outcomes were measured using the Maudsley Addiction Profile, 404 clients (75% male) were recruited and 97% were located at 3 years. At 1 year significantly fewer of those with children in their care were using heroin, benzodiazepines and cannabis but having children in a client's care at intake was a significant and positive predictor of using other opioids at 1 year. Analysis also revealed that there was a significant reduction in the proportion using alcohol in the last 90 days and in the mean days alcohol was used among those with no children in their care. Results demonstrate that having children in a client's care improves outcomes for heroin use but also suggest the possible use of substitution substances. %0 Generic %9 Other %A Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, %A Royal college of Physicians of Ireland, %A Health Service Executive, %C Dublin %D 2013 %F ndc:20188 %I Health Service Executive %T Methadone prescribing and administration in pregnancy. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20188/ %X The purpose of this guideline is to promote the safe and effective prescribing and administration of methadone in antenatal and postnatal opioid-dependent women. These guidelines are intended for healthcare professionals, particularly those in training, who are working in HSE-funded obstetric and gynaecological services. They are designed to guide clinical judgement but not replace it. In individual cases a healthcare professional may, after careful consideration, decide not to follow a guideline if it is deemed to be in the best interests of the woman. %0 Journal Article %@ 0332-3102 %A Lambert, J %A Jackson, V %A Coulter-Smith, S %A Brennan, M %A Geary, Michael %A Kelleher, TB %A O'Reilly, M %A Grundy, K %A Sammon, M %A Cafferkey, MT %D 2013 %F ndc:19822 %I Irish Medical Organisation %J Irish Medical Journal %N 5 %P 136-139 %T Universal antenatal screening for Hepatitis C. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/19822/ %V 106 %X The aims of this study were to pilot universal antenatal HCV screening and to determine the true seroprevalence of HCV infection in an unselected antenatal population. A risk assessment questionnaire for HCV infection was applied to all women booking for antenatal care over a 1-year period. In addition the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody positive serology in this population was determined. Over the course of the year, 9121 women booked for antenatal care at the Rotunda and 8976 women agreed to take part in the study, representing an uptake of 98.4%. 78 (0.9%) women were diagnosed as anti-HCV positive, the majority of whom were Irish (60.3%) or from Eastern Europe (24.4%). 73% of anti-HCV positive women reported one or more known risk factor with tattooing and a history of drug abuse the most commonly reported. 27% (n=21) of anti-HCV positive women had no identifiable risk factors. Due to selective screening, seroprevalence of HCV is impossible to accurately calculate. However the universal screening applied here and the high uptake of testing has allowed the prevalence of anti-HCV among our antenatal population to be calculated at 0.9%. A significant proportion (27%) of anti-HCV positive women in this study reported no epidemiological risk factors at the time of booking and so were identified only as a result of universal screening. This provides persuasive evidence for the inclusion of HCV testing with routine antenatal screening or at a minimum highlights the need for ongoing review of selective screening criteria. %0 Report %9 Other %A Mayock, Paula %A Corr, Mary Louise %B %C Dublin %D 2013 %F ndc:20191 %I Government Publications %T Young people's homeless and housing pathways: key findings from a 6-year qualitative longitudinal study. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20191/ %X This report documents key findings from a qualitative longitudinal study of homeless young people in Dublin city. The study was initiated in 2004 and has involved three waves of data collection over a 6-year period. The first phase of the research was funded by the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) – now the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) – under the National Children’s Research Programme. At baseline, biographical interviews were conducted with 40 homeless young people during late 2004 and early 2005. Summary findings of this phase of the research were published in December 2006 by the Office of the Minister for Children(Mayock and Vekić, 2006) and the full findings were subsequently published in a book entitled Lives in Crisis: Homeless Young People in Dublin (Mayock and O’Sullivan, 2007). In 2006, the Homeless Agency and Health Service Executive granted funding to embark on a second phase of research that involved tracking and re-interviewing the young people who enlisted in the study at baseline. This work was undertaken during 2005-2006 and the findings were published in 2008 by the Homeless Agency as Young People’s Homeless Pathways (Mayock et al, 2008). A third phase was initiated following a period of approximately 3 years, during 2009-2010, and this wave of data collection was jointly funded by the DCYA and the Homeless Agency – now the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE). The chapters introduce the background and methodological approach to the study and document findings related to the homeless and housing pathways of the study’s young people over the 6-year period of the study. Much attention is given to the ‘routes’ taken by young people into, through and out of homelessness. It is important to note that this report does not document all aspects of the study’s findings and does not claim to present a complete account of the lives and experiences of the study’s young people. %0 Generic %A United Kingdom. Department for Education., %C London %D 2013 %F ndc:22324 %I Department for Education %T Working together to safeguard children. A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22324/ %X This guidance covers: • the legislative requirements and expectations on individual services to safeguard and promote the welfare of children in the United Kingdom; and • a clear framework for Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) to monitor the effectiveness of local services. Key principles Effective safeguarding arrangements in every local area should be underpinned by two key principles: • safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility: for services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part; and • a child-centred approach: for services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children. %0 Generic %A British Association of Social Workers, %C Birmingham %D 2012 %F ndc:18965 %I British Association of Social Workers %T Children, families & alcohol use. Essential information for social workers. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18965/ %X This guide aims to support Social Workers in their practice with people who use alcohol and who have families. While it focuses on preventing alcohol-related harm to children, harm to other dependents is an increasing area of concern for social work. This guide may be relevant to other social care and health professionals. Information in this pocket guide should be supplemented by other learning and reading. Contents: 3 Alcohol & families: Key messages 4 Parental alcohol problems 5 Impact on parenting 6 Impact on children 7 Alcohol & Reproductive health 8 Protective factors 9 Resilience factors 10 Impact on family 11 Assessment: key questions & messages 12 Assessment challenges 13 Social work intervention 14 Specialist treatment 15 Resources 16 Local contact information %0 Report %9 Other %A Birdwell, Jonathan %A Vandore, Emma %A Hahn, Bryanna %B %C London %D 2012 %F ndc:18968 %I DEMOS %T Feeling the effects. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18968/ %X In Under the Influence, Demos research found that parenting style has a significant impact on children’s drinking behaviour as teenagers and later in life as adults. ‘Tough love’ parenting – a parenting style that combines warmth with consistent discipline – is the best protection against young people drinking hazardously. In this report we go further to consider the impact of parental drinking behaviour on parenting style. Based on original quantitative analysis as well as in-depth interviews with 50 alcohol-affected families, our findings suggest that the more a parent drinks, the less likely they are to be a ‘tough love’ parent. Parenting can be stressful, and the majority of parents drink alcohol responsibly. But parents need to be aware of the impact their parenting style and how drinking excessively can effect this. This report argues for targeted information awareness campaigns aimed at parents to help them consider their parenting style and the impact of alcohol on parenting ability. The report also recommends that ‘family-based’ interventions should put more emphasis on parenting advice, to ensure that those struggling with alcohol misuse can still be effective parents. %Z Demos is a think-tank focused on power and politics. Our unique approach challenges the traditional, 'ivory tower' model of policymaking by giving a voice to people and communities. We work together with the groups and individuals who are the focus of our research, including them in citizens’ juries, deliberative workshops, focus groups and ethnographic research. Through our high quality and socially responsible research, Demos has established itself as the leading independent think tank in British politics. Our work is driven by the goal of a society populated by free, capable, secure and powerful citizens. %0 Journal Article %@ 1530-0277 %A Hepper, Peter J %A Dorman, James C %A Lynch, Catherine %D 2012 %F ndc:19206 %I Wiley-Blackwell %J Alcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research %N 12 %P 2168-75 %T Fetal brain function in response to maternal alcohol consumption: early evidence of damage. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/19206/ %V 36 %X Background Studies of the adverse neurobehavioral effects of maternal alcohol consumption on the fetus have been largely confined to the postnatal period, after exposure to alcohol has finished. This study explored the brain function of the fetus, at the time of exposure to alcohol, to examine its effect on information processing and stability of performance. Methods Five groups of fetuses, defined by maternal alcohol consumption patterns, were examined: control (no alcohol); moderate (5 to 10 units/wk either drunk evenly across the week or as a binge, in 2 to 3 days); heavy (20+ units/wk drunk evenly or as a binge). Fetal habituation performance was examined on 3 occasions, separated by 7 days, beginning at 35 weeks of gestation. The number of trials required to habituate on each test session and the difference in performance across test sessions were recorded. Results Fetuses exposed to heavy binge drinking required significantly more trials to habituate and exhibited a greater variability in performance across all test sessions than the other groups. Maternal drinking, either heavily but evenly or moderately as a binge, resulted in poorer habituation, and moderate binge drinking resulted in greater variability compared with no, or even, drinking. Conclusions Decreased information processing, reflected by poorer habituation, and increased variability in performance may reflect the initial manifestations of structural damage caused by alcohol to the brain. These results will lead to a greater understanding of the effects of alcohol on the fetus's brain, enable the antenatal identification of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and lead to the early implementation of better management strategies. %0 Report %9 Other %A Coen, Liam %A Canavan, John %A Brennan, Mark %B %C Galway %D 2012 %F ndc:20225 %I UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, NUI, Galway; HSE West (Mayo and Roscommon) Child and Family Services %T Mol an Óige/Family Preservation: final evaluation report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20225/ %X In 2007, HSE West Child and Family Services in Mayo and Roscommon introduced a new way of working with children and Families. Known as Mol an Óige, this new way of working was modelled on an approach developed and operated by Boys Town USA. Three distinct parts were adopted from the American organisation: the In-Home Family Preservation service; the Treatment Foster Care service; and the Common Sense Parenting programme. As part of this new arrangement, Child and Family Services in both counties asked the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre to evaluate the In-Home Family Preservation and Treatment Foster Care services. This document is an Executive Summary of the final evaluation report of the former, the In-Home Family Preservation Service. In-home family preservation service: programme description and context: The Mol an Óige Family Preservation Model (‘Mol an Óige’) is predominantly a teaching model aimed at working in a strengths and outcome-orientated way to meet the varying needs of children and families in different settings. Owing its origins to both ecological and multi-systemic treatment models, Mol an Óige as delivered in Roscommon and Mayo was introduced by the HSE and Boys Town USA to services in both counties in 2007. The model draws on behavioural approaches to addressing issues within a nested context of individual, family, peer, school and community domains. The emphasis is on developing practical skills in families through building relationships, teaching, creating a positive family environment, and promoting self-determination. It is designed for families where there is a risk of an out-of-home placement or where such a placement has already occurred. It can also be used to prevent serious problems from occurring in children’s and families’ lives. The Model has three phases: Initiation and Relationship Building; Implementation; and Phasing Out. The support provided by each worker to families occurs within a structured process of pre and post intervention assessment, outcome-orientated family plans, supervision, observation, fidelity monitoring, and file auditing. %0 Report %9 Other %A European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, %B %C Luxembourg %D 2012 %F ndc:18705 %I Publications Office of the European Union %T Pregnancy, childcare and the family: key issues for Europe’s response to drugs. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18705/ %X This Selected issue gives a broad overview on the extent of, and available responses to, the problems of pregnant drug users and families that are affected by drug use. In the first part of the report, a description of the available data on the extent of drug use during pregnancy and associated risks is followed by a review of responses to drug use among pregnant women across Europe. The second part of the publication focuses on children living in the care of drug users. Here, a review of the risks related to drug use in the family sets the scene for European overviews of responses targeting drug-using parents and responses aimed at the children of drug users. The policy and legal frameworks concerning the two situations are described, both for pregnant drug users and drug-using parents and their children. Table of contents: • Introductory note and acknowledgements • Introduction • Pregnant drug users • Drug users living with children • Conclusions • References %0 Journal Article %A Keane, Martin %D 2012 %F ndc:18464 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 16 %T The views of children and young people in state care. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18464/ %V Issue 43, Autumn 2012 %0 Generic %A Adamson, Jon %A Templeton, Lorna %C London %D 2012 %F ndc:18356 %I The Office of the Children’s Commissioner %T Silent voices. Supporting children and young people affected by parental alcohol misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18356/ %X Main table of contents: • Summary of Key Messages and Recommendations • Section One: Background • Section Two: Methodology • Section Three: Consultation with children and young people • Section Four: Review Findings • Research Question One: What is known about the experiences of children and families where there is parental alcohol misuse and to what extent is this informed by the views of children and young people themselves? • Research Question Two: What are the key wider issues associated with PAM (e.g. unemployment, domestic abuse, mental health) and how do they relate to risk/protective factors for children and families? • Research Question Three: What is known about protective factors and processes in this population and how they can minimise risk/negative outcomes? • Research Question Four: What is known about services, and their delivery, and the impact/benefit of such services for children (and families) where there is PAM and to what extent is this informed by the views of children and young people themselves? • Research Question Five: What is the current policy context for children and families where there is PAM and how might it be improved? • Research Question Six: Thinking about questions 1 to 5 above, what are the gaps in our knowledge about children affected by PAM and services for these children? %0 Report %9 Other %A Adfam, %A Against Violence and Abuse, %B %C London %D 2012 %F ndc:18369 %I Adfam and Against Violence and Abuse %T Between a rock and a hard place. How parents deal with children who use substances and perpetrate abuse. Project report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18369/ %X Previous research commissioned by Adfam and AVA found that the problem of child to parent violence (CPV) was under recognised and under supported by services. It found that many groups which offered support for families affected by drugs and alcohol came into contact with parents who reported high levels of violence from their drug or alcohol using children which in many ways was similar to what is widely considered domestic violence under the definition of intimate partner violence (IPV). This stage of the project consisted of facilitating nine focus groups throughout England with 88 parents affected by CPV. In these focus groups parents were consulted on to their experiences of CPV – what form it took, when they first realised what was happening, which services they turned to first, and which services were the best in providing support. The focus groups were conducted in a safe and confidential manner by an experienced facilitator, with Adfam and AVA providing a confidentiality protocol and a consent form for parents taking part. The second stage of the project will provide training for family support groups and a series of briefings on CPV. Conclusions and recommendations: • There are parents who are affected by violence and abuse from their substance using children, often to a severe degree, who feel they have little or no recourse to help from services. • The policy and service frameworks that exist are failing to meet the needs of parents experiencing CPV. CPV does not currently fit neatly into any governmental policy nor into the strategic vision of service provision for victims of domestic violence. This is partly due to the current governmental definition of domestic violence which explicitly defines it as occurring between only those aged 18 or over. This clearly does not capture the experiences of all the parents in this project, many of whom were affected by CPV perpetrated by children aged under 18. • Increased recognition of CPV (and an accompanying modification of the governmental definition) should be implemented to bring about a sustained improvement in the support offered to parents. Part of this recognition is dependent on bridging the gap and increasing dialogue between the family, substance use and domestic violence sectors over where the issue sits and what each sector can contribute. • With family support groups clearly recognised by parents as the most effective method of help for families suffering CPV efforts must be made to support them, increase their capacity to screen for CPV and offer appropriate sign-posting to domestic violence services and others. For groups to offer sustained support to parents they need to be properly resourced. They are often small, and run by passionate people who are experts of their own experience, but operate on small budgets. Large or complex tendering processes can be very demanding in terms of time, and efforts should be made to make these processes accessible and open to all providers, including small voluntary and community sector services. • There is a lack of perpetrator programmes for those aged under 21 years old. The current conceptual framework around domestic violence and perpetrator programmes assumes the perpetrator has a level of experience in adult relationships. Clearly many perpetrators of CPV have very different characteristics and therefore need a different type of programme to work on addressing the violence they perpetrate. %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Health Service Executive, %B %C Dublin %D 2012 %F ndc:17776 %I Health Service Executive %T Review of adequacy for HSE children and families services 2010. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17776/ %X The Review of Adequacy is not an end in itself; rather it is a process of review and reflection upon how services might be improved. In recent years a number of reports have highlighted the need for structural reform and more consistency in the way in which services are delivered. Meeting this challenge was a priority throughout 2010 and into 2011. The Government decision, late in 2010, to appoint a National Director for Children and Families Services reflected the commitment to address these issues in a meaningful way. Despite the financial constraints additional staff were recruited in key areas during the year. Greater emphasis was also placed on the efficient management of resources and on the management of performance. • The first and second sections of this report provide a foreword and executive summary. • The third section provides an introduction which sets out the statutory provisions governing the Review of Adequacy 2010. • The fourth section addresses strategic change, governance and structure. It provides an overview of budget and expenditure, the structure of service provision and performance management arrangements. • Section five provides an analysis of indicators of need. Ireland’s growing child population is highlighted. Other demographic factors are considered, such as poverty, lone parent families and ethnicity. • Section six deals with family support services. There is an emphasis on the development of Children’s Services Committees as a means of integrating family support services across a range of key stakeholders. Welfare reports to social work departments continued to outnumber reports concerning child protection. • In section seven trends in child protection services are analysed. Figures show a year-on-year increase in the number of reports being made. Neglect remained the consistently the most prominent reason for a child protection report to be made. Planned service improvements continued to be rolled out in the light of the Ryan Report (Commission of the Inquiry into Child Abuse 2009), report of the OCO on Children First (OCO 2010) and the Roscommon Child Care Inquiry report (Roscommon Child Care Inquiry Team 2010). • Section seven describes alternative care services. The numbers of children in care has increased by 13.7% since 2006 from 5,247 to 5,965. However, the rate of children in care remains lower than those in neighbouring countries. Admissions to care were slightly down on the previous year. By the end of December the percentage of children in care with an allocated social worker exceeded 93%. • In section eight services for education, training, research and policy are examined. During the year a National Advisory Group was established to provide advice on these internal services. • Finally section nine draws broad overall conclusions Table 12: Primary reason for welfare concern following initial assessment (2010) (PAGE 20) Child Problems 30.2% • Child with emotional/behavioural problems 14.7% • Child abusing drugs/alcohol 2.0% • Child involved in crime 0.3% • Child pregnancy 0.5% • Physical Illness/disability in child 0.3% • Mental health problem/intellectual disability in child 1.3% • Other 11.0% Family Problems 69.8% • Parent unable to cope 8.4% • Family member abusing drugs/alcohol 15.9% • Family member involved in crime 0.5% • Domestic violence 4.6% • Physical illness/disability in other family member 1.1% • Mental health problem/intellectual disability in other family member 5.8% • Family difficulty re: housing/finance 4.7% • Parent separation/absence/other disharmony in home 13.6% • Other 15.2% %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2012 %F ndc:17289 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 25 %T In brief. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17289/ %V Issue 41, Spring 2012 %0 Journal Article %@ 1360-0443 %A Cleary, Brian J %A Eogan, Maeve %A O’Connell, MP %A Fahey, Tom %A White, Martin J %A McDermott, C %A O'Sullivan, A %A Carmody, Deirdre %A Gleeson, J %A Murphy, Deidre J %D 2012 %F ndc:17014 %I Wiley-Blackwell %J Addiction %N 8 %P 1482-1492 %T Methadone and perinatal outcomes – a prospective cohort study. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17014/ %V 107 %X Aims: Methadone use in pregnancy has been associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This study aimed to examine perinatal outcomes and NAS in relation to i)concomitant drug use and ii)methadone dose. Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Two tertiary care maternity hospitals. Participants: 117 pregnant women on methadone maintenance treatment recruited between July 2009 and July 2010. Measurements: Information on concomitant drug use was recorded with the Addiction Severity Index. Perinatal outcomes included preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation), small for gestational age (<10th centile) and neonatal unit admission. NAS outcomes included: incidence of medically treated NAS, peak Finnegan score, cumulative dose of NAS treatment and duration of hospitalisation. Findings: Of the 114 liveborn infants 11 (9.6%) were born preterm, 49 (42.9%) were small for gestational age, 56 (49.1%) had a neonatal unit admission and 29 (25.4%) were medically treated for NAS. Neonates exposed to methadone only had a shorter hospitalisation than those exposed to methadone and concomitant drugs (median 5.0 days versus 6.0 days, p = 0.03). Neonates exposed to methadone doses ≥80mg required higher cumulative doses of morphine treatment for NAS (median 13.2 mg versus 19.3mg, p = 0.03). The incidence and duration of NAS did not differ between the two dosage groups. Conclusion: The incidence and duration of the neonatal abstinence syndrome is not associated with material methadone dose, but maternal opiate, benzodiazepine or cocaine use is associated with longer neonatal hospitalisation. %0 Generic %9 Other %C Glasgow %D 2012 %F ndc:17367 %I Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services %T Leading for outcomes children and young people. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17367/ %X Leading for Outcomes is a series of guides that provide support and training materials to help lead the social services workforce to focus on the outcomes important to people. %0 Report %9 Other %A Martyn, Michelle %B %C Dublin %D 2012 %F ndc:18802 %I Irish Penal Reform Trust %T "Picking up the pieces": The rights and needs of children and families affected by imprisonment. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18802/ %X This IPRT research report details the rights, needs and experiences of families and children of prisoners. It follows extensive consultations with children, families, support services and relevant agencies. The report makes key recommendations, directed at: •Government •An Garda Síochána •Courts and Courts Service •Irish Prison Service •Media •Department of Education •State and Academic Institutions %0 Journal Article %A McCrory, Cathal %A Layte, Richard %D 2012 %F ndc:18761 %I Springer %J Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry %N 8 %P 1277-1288 %T Prenatal exposure to maternal smoking and childhood behavioural problems: a quasi-experimental approach. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18761/ %V 40 %X This retrospective cross-sectional paper examines the relationship between maternal smoking during pregnancy and children’s behavioural problems at 9 years of age independent of a wide range of possible confounders. The final sample comprised 7,505 nine-year-old school children participating in the first wave of the Growing Up in Ireland study. The children were selected through the Irish national school system using a 2-stage sampling method and were representative of the nine-year population. Information on maternal smoking during pregnancy was obtained retrospectively at 9 years of age via parental recall and children’s behavioural problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire across separate parent and teacher-report instruments. A quasi-experimental approach using propensity score matching was used to create treatment (smoking) and control (non-smoking) groups which did not differ significantly in their propensity to smoke in terms of 16 observed characteristics. After matching on the propensity score, children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy were 3.5 % (p < 0.001) and 3.4 % (p < 0.001) more likely to score in the problematic range on the SDQ total difficulties index according to parent and teacher-report respectively. Maternal smoking during pregnancy was more strongly associated with externalising than internalising behavioural problems. Analysis of the dose–response relationship showed that the differential between matched treatment and control groups increased with level of maternal smoking. Given that smoking is a modifiable risk factor, the promotion of successful cessation in pregnancy may prevent potentially adverse long-term consequences. %0 Journal Article %A Mongan, Deirdre %D 2012 %F ndc:16886 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 26 %T Children’s exposure to risks from parental drinking. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16886/ %V Issue 40, Winter 2011 %0 Generic %C Bethesda, MD %D 2012 %F ndc:26066 %I National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism %N 1 %T Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/26066/ %V 34 %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Peyton, Lynne %B %C Dublin %D 2012 %F ndc:20119 %I Health Service Executive %T A review of practice and audit of the management of cases of neglect. Report on the findings of the pilot phase of the National Audit of Neglect. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/20119/ %X This report represents the findings of 3 pilot exercises to independently review practice and audit the management of cases of neglect in Ireland, in preparation for a National Audit of Neglect as recommended by the Roscommon Child Care Case Inquiry (October 2010). Each of the 3 Local Health Offices (LHO) chosen for the pilots had a case which was subject to an Inquiry because the children had experienced chronic neglect. In 2 of these families a child had died and in Roscommon, several children suffered severe and sustained neglect over a period of years. In total almost 100 cases involving more than 300 children were considered by the Reviewer and where appropriate recommendations were made to better safeguard the young people involved. The findings add to the knowledge base of characteristics of neglectful families demonstrating the significance of alcohol abuse and to a lesser extent drug misuse among neglecting parents. The circumstances of children was often a matter of concern to the entire range of involved disciplines including public health nurses, school teachers, psychologists, speech and language therapists, and to those who were providing a range of family support services. Increased awareness due particularly to Children First training, has led to an increase in child neglect referrals to social work departments in recent years. However across the 3 Pilot areas there was evidence that the thresholds for allocation of cases to Social Workers was often too high and that generally children who had allegedly been physically or sexually abused were more likely to receive services than those who experienced neglect and emotional abuse. Consequently there was evidence that many neglected children were not receiving a service and in two areas there was a substantial waiting list. %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2012 %F ndc:16889 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 28-29 %T Prioritising children in drug policy and practice. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16889/ %V Issue 40, Winter 2011 %0 Generic %A Maschinot, Beth %A Cohen, Julie %C Rockville, MD %D 2012 %F ndc:18735 %I Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration %T Supporting infants, toddlers, and families impacted by caregiver mental health problems, substance abuse, and trauma. A community action guide. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18735/ %X Introduction • Section 1: What’s so important about birth to 5? • Section 2: Threats to resilience • Section 3: Building a sturdy foundation for children: protective factors that promote resilience • Section 4: A strategic framework for action • Section 5: Moving forward References Appendix A: Resource list Appendix B: Screening tools Appendix C: Assessing the problem Appendix D: Conducting focus groups Appendix E: Strategies for coalition building This guide was developed in the United States and is organized in sections designed for practical use. In Section 1, we focus on the importance of early development, highlighting recent findings about how the brain develops. In Section 2, we look at the newest and best research on how toxic stress can harm brain development. We focus particularly on toxic stress that can occur in families struggling with mental health problems, substance abuse, and a history of trauma. Use this information when you are developing or making the case for a new outreach effort, a new program, or a new law or advocacy effort. In Section 3, we look at how to build a sturdy foundation for the very young children in our communities, starting by supporting interactions between children and their closest caregivers, and then expanding to a wider sphere. Here the emphasis is on building supports and coping capacities in the families and in the people and service providers surrounding the child. This section can be used as a springboard to goal-setting and planning when you’ve gathered community partners. Section 4 provides you with a six-step road map for action: 1. Assess how far along your community is in building resources and structures that contribute to the well-being of families; 2. Assess your community’s capacity for supporting family well-being; 3. Build partnerships and coalitions among existing community groups; 4. Outline a strategic plan; 5. Provide guides and tips for implementation; and 6. Evaluate your efforts to better understand your impact and continually improve your strategies. Section 4 is designed to be a guide for identifying doable strategies. Although the process may seem complex, each of the steps can be used one at a time to increase your chances for success—whether you are embarking on outreach efforts or working to create larger programs or structures. %0 Generic %A Turnbull, Catherine %A Osborn, David A %C London %D 2012 %F ndc:18721 %I John Wiley & Sons, Ltd %N 1 %T Home visits during pregnancy and after birth for women with an alcohol or drug problem. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18721/ %X Objective: To determine the effects of home visits during pregnancy and/or after birth for women with a drug or alcohol problem. Studies using random or quasi-random allocation of pregnant or postpartum women with a drug or alcohol problem to home visits. Trials enrolling high-risk women of whom more than 50% were reported to use drugs or alcohol were also eligible. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the routine use of home visits for pregnant or postpartum women with a drug or alcohol problem. Further large, high-quality trials are needed. %0 Report %9 Other %A National Advisory Committee on Drugs, %A Alcohol Action Ireland, %A HSE Social Inclusion Department, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16766 %I National Advisory Committee on Drugs %T A family affair? Supporting children living with parental substance misuse. A report of a national conference held in November 2011. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16766/ %X This conference originated from the findings of a literature review carried out by Dr. Justine Horgan, Senior Researcher National Advisory Committee on Drugs on the impact of parental substance misuse on children. The main finding of this review was that parental substance misuse can, and does, negatively impact on the health, development and welfare of children including both abuse and neglect. As children’s welfare and protection is a major governmental and societal priority, this conference was timely and the invitation by the NACD to the HSE and Alcohol Action Ireland to become co-sponsors of the conference ensured the widest possible dissemination of the findings. The organisers welcomed the presence of two Ministers who were fully supportive of the aims of the conference. The presence of senior managers from the HSE Addiction and Children and Families Services was also key to the recognition of this as a conjoint managerial responsibility. This was the first national conference addressing the impact of parental substance misuse on children and the first combined gathering of staff working in addiction, child welfare and protection services from the community, statutory and voluntary sectors. Such a large gathering enabled the sharing of observations and experiences and an exchange of views on the challenges involved in early intervention and interagency work in the context of diminishing resources. The conference also highlighted the importance of public policy with local implementation supported by adequate resources. One such policy, the Hidden Harm strategy in Northern Ireland, highlights the need, as a main objective of policy and practice, to reduce the harm to children from parental substance misuse. This strategy also recognises that effective treatment of the parent can have major benefits for the child and that by working together, services can take many practical steps to protect and improve the health and well-being of affected children. Furthermore, recognition that problems affecting children will only decrease when the number of people with harmful drinking patterns and problem drug use diminishes is of critical importance as are the relevant strategies aimed at implementing such reductions. Points from the Hidden Harm strategy are re-iterated by the following key findings from our national conference as follows: 1. All services, including child, family and adult services need to view the welfare of the child as paramount. Agencies need to work together, taking a child-centred approach, supporting the whole family to meet their child’s needs. 2. Adult drug and alcohol services have a duty to consider and assess how the adult’s behaviour may be affecting the children in their care 3. Invest in prevention and early intervention services 4. Provide services and supports directly to children 5. Ensure organisations are clear about their responsibilities under Children First. Putting Children First on a legislative basis would ensure that organisations have a duty to work together in the interests of the child. 6. Policies that reduce substance misuse consumption levels can reduce the level of harm to children living with parental substance misuse problems. This conference provided a forum to respond to a literature review which clearly identifies that parental substance misuse is a most serious challenge to child welfare and child protection in modern Ireland. The challenge now is to recognise this issue as current, even though largely invisible and to take the necessary steps to implement the policies and measures required to safeguard and protect children now and for future generations. %0 Generic %A Diggins, Marie %C London %D 2011 %F ndc:17880 %I Social Care Institute for Excellence %T Think child, think parent, think family: a guide to parental mental health and child welfare. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17880/ %X The following recommendations are for adult mental health, child and adolescent mental health and children services in all sectors Signposting and improving access to services Organisations should develop a multi-agency communications strategy to tackle the stigma and fears that parents and children have about approaching and receiving services. This should be a priority to enable families to get the support they need as soon as possible and should focus on promoting good mental health and wellbeing for all family members. Screening Ensure screening and referral systems and practice routinely and reliably identify and record information about which adults with mental health problems are parents, and which children have parents with mental health problems. This means developing systems and tools in collaboration with parents and young people, to ensure the right questions are asked and the data is recorded for future use. Assessment All organisations need to adapt existing assessment and recording processes to take account of the whole family and train staff in their use. This means developing and implementing 'family' threshold criteria for access to services to take into account the individual and combined needs of parents, carers and children. Strategies for the management of joint cases should be recorded where the situation is complex or there is a high risk of poor outcomes for children and parents. Planning care Care planning needs to be flexible enough to meet the needs of each individual family member as well as the family as a whole, and staff should aim to increase resilience and reduce stressors. Allocating an individual budget could provide this flexibility. Increasing every family member's understanding of a parent's mental health problem can strengthen their ability to cope. Providing care Commissioners and providers of care should ensure that they can meet the full spectrum of needs, including the practical priorities of parents with mental health problems and their children. This means developing non-traditional and creative ways of delivering services as a way of targeting families and improving access. Reviewing care plans Reviews should consider changes in family circumstances over time, include both individual and family goals, and involve children and carers in the process. Strategic approach Multi-agency, senior-level commitment is required and we recommend that a 'Think Family Strategy' is developed to implement this guidance and that parents, children and carers are involved in all stages of development. Workforce development Investment is needed in training and staff development for adult and children's front-line managers and practitioners to support the changes recommended in this guide about how to 'think child, think parent, think family' and work across service interfaces. Putting it into practice Combining the authority of senior managers and the dynamism of the voluntary sector and users is the most effective way of supporting staff seeking to put whole-family approaches into practice. Embedding the messages into induction, training, supervision and performance management can help promote the work, and altering assessment and recording tools, can prompt people to Think Family. %0 Report %9 Other %A Ireland. Department of Children and Youth Affairs, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16432 %I Government Publications %T National strategy for research and data on children’s lives 2011—2016. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16432/ %X This research and data strategy is published in fulfilment of a commitment given in the social partnership agreement Towards 2016 for the development and publication of a National Data Strategy on Children’s Lives (Department of the Taoiseach, 2006a). The strategy has been developed in the context of substantial investment in the creation and transfer of knowledge for the purpose of improving citizen’s lives. This has resulted in a growing knowledge base across many different areas and in Ireland, as elsewhere, has led to increased support and concern for evidence-informed policy and practice. The initial intention in developing this strategy was to focus on data only, particularly on official and other statistical holdings, as has been the case with strategies developed by other Government departments. This strategy goes beyond this type of approach and both aligns and mobilises key issues of relevance to both research and data around children’s lives. In doing so, it provides a framework for improving understandings of children’s lives across all sectors, including policy-makers, service providers, researchers, children, families and communities. The inclusion of both data and research is an explicit recognition of the importance of achieving a comprehensive understanding of children’s lives. Although there is much overlap between research and data, in general, agendas have evolved separately from each other and issues arising are usually addressed in different fora and through individual strategic developments. The recent Government decision to create a Department of Children and Youth Affairs, which incorporates a number of policy areas on children and youth people (such as early childhood care and education, youth justice, child protection and welfare, children and young people’s participation, research on children and young people, youth work and cross-cutting initiatives for children), provides an important infrastructure through which evidence can be at the centre of policy and practice around children’s lives. This strategy, through its Action Plan (see Chapter 5), will play an important part in informing policy and practice developments by facilitating the creation, synthesis and transfer of the best available knowledge in the area for the purpose of ensuring children’s lives benefit from research and data. While the Department of Children and Youth Affairs is responsible for certain actions in the strategy and will have an oversight role in relation to the overall action plan, individual Government departments or other organisations that have agreed to carry out specific actions in this strategy will be responsible for delivering on these. An understanding of the effects of policy decisions, supports and interventions, as well as the factors in and impact of changes and transitions at various points in the lifecycle, is critical in informing decisions aimed at improving outcomes. This is particularly the case with children, where significant changes in their growth, development and outcomes take place within a relatively short period of time. Much progress has been made in understanding children’s lives in Ireland. Further strategic development, however, can assist in: • providing leadership in the area of research and data on children’s lives; • facilitating a comprehensive approach to understanding the lives of all children, with a particular focus on the lives of children with additional needs; • identifying priority areas, minimising duplication of effort and maximising value for money; • coordinating research and data developments of relevance to children’s lives; • systematically building research, evaluation and utilisation capacity. Overview Why a Research and Data Strategy on Children’s Lives? • Development of strategy • Aim and objectives of strategy 1. Context for a National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives • Investment and policy development in research • Research governance developments • Investment and policy development in data • National investment in children’s research • National Children’s Research Programme • Commissioned research programme • Capacity-building programme • A programme to develop the infrastructure around data and research on children’s lives • Knowledge transfer around children’s lives • Early Intervention Programme • Summary 2. Development of National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives • Children’s outcomes • Process of development • Identification of potential gaps • Review of recommendations in national policy • Consultations • Analysis of inputs • Analysis of information gaps and availability • Consultation on draft actions • Bilateral discussions with stakeholders • Summary 3. Information Gaps, Sources and Priorities • Outcome Area 1: Children will be healthy, both physically and mentally • Outcome Area 2: Children will be supported in active learning • Outcome Area 3: Children will be safe from accidental and intentional harm, and secure in the immediate and wider physical environment • Outcome Area 4: Children will be economically secure • Outcome Area 5: Children will be part of positive networks of family, friends, neighbours and the community, and included and participating in society 4. Cross-cutting issues influencing National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives Development of a national strategic approach to improving information around children’s lives • Improvement of administrative data systems • Build capacity across all areas of research and data development • Support evidence-informed policy and practice • Summary 5. Action Plan • Implementation and oversight • Action Plan References Appendices Appendix 1: DCYA National Children’s Research Programme — Commissioned Research Appendix 2: DCYA National Children’s Research Programme — Scholarship Programme Appendix 3: Review of national policy documents to inform National Strategy for Research and Data on Children’s Lives Appendix 4: Online Consultation Questionnaire Appendix 5: Respondents to Online Consultation Appendix 6: Inventory of data sources Appendix 7: Consultations conducted with children and young people under the OMCYA/DCYA Participation Programme Appendix 8: National Statistics Board’s (2004) Best Practice Guidelines for the development of a data strategy Appendix 9: Research and Data Strategy Steering Group Membership %0 Report %9 Other %@ NDARC technical report no. 320 %A Taplin, Stephanie %A Mattick, Richard P %B %C Sydney %D 2011 %F ndc:16471 %I National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre %T Child protection and mothers in substance abuse treatment. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16471/ %X This report presents the major findings from the three-year Australian, Child Protection and Mothers in Substance Abuse Treatment study. Parental substance use has received particular attention as a child protection concern in recent years, but it is an area in which there has been little research and in which a number of research questions remain unanswered. Evidence has shown that parental substance misuse is associated with high rates of child maltreatment, but substance use by a parent does not necessarily mean that they are abusing or neglecting their children. Research from overseas has also found that families in which alcohol or other drug use is present are more likely to come to the attention of child protection services, more likely to be re-reported, more likely to have children removed from their care, and more likely to have them remain in out-of-home care (OOHC) for long periods of time, than are families with the same characteristics but no substance use. A small number of overseas studies have also found that, among substance-using mothers, factors other than the severity of substance use are associated with child protection involvement. The applicability of these overseas studies to the child protection system in Australia is, however, unknown. This study provides an enhanced understanding of parenting issues and child protection involvement among women with a history of illicit drug use in Australia. Methods: Women with at least one child aged under 16 years were recruited through nine public and private opioid treatment clinics across Sydney. One hundred and seventy-one women were interviewed between May 2009 and May 2010. Their drug treatment and child protection records were also used as a source of information where they consented. Major findings: Just over one-third of the women were involved with child protection services at the time of interview, with one-third of their children (n = 99) in OOHC. Women who were involved with child protection were compared with those who were not to determine the factors associated with child protection involvement. Logistic regression analysis revealed that those variables which significantly increased the likelihood of being involved with child protection (while controlling for the other variables) were: (1) having a greater number of children, (2) being on psychiatric medication, and (3) having less than daily contact with their own parents. Although women who had a more extensive substance use history were more likely to be involved with child protection (when no other factors were taken into account), this association was no longer significant in the logistic regression model. Other findings: Consistent with previous research on this population, these women were highly disadvantaged, having little formal education (median 10 years), tending to be single (32.4% married or de facto), on government benefits (87.1%), experiencing financial problems (80.6%) and living in public housing (58.3%). The women had extensive substance use and drug and alcohol treatment histories, again consistent with previous research. A significant number also had mental health problems (54.2% had been recently diagnosed with a psychiatric illness), had a history of criminal involvement (41.9% had prison history) and had some type of physical or sexual abuse as a child (64.5% reported this), with sexual abuse the most common (55.4%). Recent domestic violence was less common (18.0% had recently taken out an apprehended violence order). Since starting on the New South Wales Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), the women reported improvements in a number of areas, again consistent with previous research. Reductions in substance use, criminal involvement, number of problem areas and time spent with illicit drug-using friends (along with improvements in parenting ability, financial situation and sources of support) were reported by the women since starting on the OTP. Heroin use reduced markedly, both in the number reporting any heroin use in the past month (from 88.3% to 21.6%) and in the number of times used (27.6 to 5.6 days per month). Despite these improvements, women involved with child protection stayed no longer on the OTP than women who were not. Women generally chose to enter the OTP, and many did so for child-related reasons. Women who were currently involved with child protection services reported receiving more services through the program than did the women who were not involved, the services most commonly received being counselling, legal assistance and childcare. Women who were being treated through public programs were more likely to have a caseworker than women at private programs. Most of the women were young when they had their first child, the median age being 21 years, much lower than the median age of first-time mothers across Australia (28 years). More than one-third (39%) were teenagers when they had their first child. Surprisingly, 38% of the women in the study started using opioids after they had had their first child. The women mostly gave birth to two children. One in five of their children were reported to have major health or behavioural problems, and these children were much more likely to be in OOHC. Many of the women were single (41.8% were not in a relationship) and most were either the only adult living in their household (46.8%) or lived alone (11.7%). They were more likely to spend time with family than with anyone else and particularly relied on their family for help with their children. Support from their parents was particularly important to these women. Most lived in public housing (58.3%) and they appear to be less trusting of neighbours and feel less safe in their community than do other women, even those living in disadvantaged areas. The majority of the 99 children in OOHC at the time of interview were in kinship or relative care, generally living with their grandparents. Younger children were more likely to be in care than were older children. Many of the children in care (42%) had been removed from their mother at birth and placed in OOHC, and this was even more likely among the younger children (73% of those under five years of age had been removed at birth). Children placed in foster care had less contact with their mother than those living with relatives and were more likely to have supervised contact visits. Another 57 children were not living with their mother because of Family Court orders or informal arrangements for family to care for their children. Around one-third of the women (31.7%) reported having undertaken a parenting course, with those involved with child protection (most of whom had children in care) significantly more likely to have done so. Although half the women acknowledged that their parenting was adversely affected by their substance use, many also reported that they went to great lengths to keep their children unaware of their substance use and/or their being in pharmacological treatment. Half the women (52.1%) said that their substance use had affected their ability to parent their children, while slightly less than half (45.5%) said that it had not. Where substance use had not affected their parenting, women reported that they had always prioritised their children’s needs and only used substances when the children were being cared for by family. Discussion: The results of this study are important for the child protection field. They show that, rather than severity of substance use being associated with mothers’ involvement with the child protection system, other factors are of greater importance. Of particular interest was the finding that having greater social support, particularly from parents, significantly reduced the likelihood of being involved with the child protection system. Women made great improvements while on their treatment program, particularly in relation to reduced substance use. In terms of policy and practice implications, this study supports the call by overseas researchers to intervene earlier with girls who have been abused themselves prior to the escalation of problems associated with abuse, such as mental health problems and substance misuse, and prior to them becoming mothers. The provision of targeted women-only services is essential for girls in such circumstances, and for most women in opioid pharmacological treatment, in order to help them deal with their mental health problems and to enhance parenting, coping skills and social supports. It is important that such services are provided if we are to reduce the high rates of intergenerational abuse, trauma and disadvantage among these women and their children. %0 Journal Article %A Lyons, Suzi %D 2011 %F ndc:16888 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 27 %T A family affair? Seminar on parental substance misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16888/ %V Issue 40, Winter 2011 %0 Generic %A Adfam, %C London %D 2011 %F ndc:18387 %I Adfam %T Working with grandparents raising their grandchildren due to parental substance use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18387/ %X This guide offers advice and suggestions to support service providers to deliver effective services to grandparents who are carers for their grandchildren due to parental substance misuse. Within this project grandparents with a range of circumstances participated in consultations and focus groups, including full time carers of grandchildren, part time or informal carers, those currently fighting for access to grandchildren, former carers whose grandchildren have returned to their parents’ care, widowed grandparent carers, divorced grandparents, and couples. Contents: • Introduction • The barriers and challenges faced by grandparents: 1. Practical guidance 2. Relationship support 3. Health and quality of life • What grandparents want and need from support services • Overcoming the obstacles: making your service accessible • Safeguarding children • The experience of a grandparent carer: an in-depth case study %0 Report %9 Other %A Barnardos, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16070 %I Barnardos %T Parenting positively - coping with a parent’s problem drug or alcohol use - for children aged 6 to 12. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16070/ %X Parenting Positively is a series by the Family Support Agency and Barnardos that provides information and guidance to parents. The series covers teenage well-being as well as the complex life issues of death, separation, bullying, parental drug or alcohol problems and domestic abuse. The booklets outline teenager’s understanding of the particular issue and how you can support them through this difficult time. Each booklet also gives further resources that you can follow up for more information and help on the issue covered. %0 Report %9 Other %A Barnardos, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16068 %I Barnardos %T Parenting positively - coping with a parent’s problem drug or alcohol use - for parents of children between 6 and 12. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16068/ %X Parenting Positively is a series by the Family Support Agency and Barnardos that provides information and guidance to parents. The series covers teenage well-being as well as the complex life issues of death, separation, bullying, parental drug or alcohol problems and domestic abuse. The booklets outline teenager’s understanding of the particular issue and how you can support them through this difficult time. Each booklet also gives further resources that you can follow up for more information and help on the issue covered. %0 Report %9 Other %A Barnardos, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16069 %I Barnardos %T Parenting positively - helping teenagers to cope with a parent’s problem drug or alcohol use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16069/ %X Parenting Positively is a series by the Family Support Agency and Barnardos that provides information and guidance to parents. The series covers teenage well-being as well as the complex life issues of death, separation, bullying, parental drug or alcohol problems and domestic abuse. The booklets outline teenager’s understanding of the particular issue and how you can support them through this difficult time. Each booklet also gives further resources that you can follow up for more information and help on the issue covered. %0 Generic %9 Other %A Northern Ireland. Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, %C Belfast %D 2011 %F ndc:22427 %I Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety %T A guide to understanding the effects of parental mental health on children and the family. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/22427/ %X The Reform Implementation Team was established by the then Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety to drive forward a change agenda for child protection services in Northern Ireland, based on a Care Pathway approach. A key area of responsibility is the development, piloting and implementation of a single assessment framework, including risk assessment and mental health needs component, for Children in Need across Northern Ireland (UNOCINI). This document looks strengthening the recognition and understanding of mental health needs, and raise awareness of interrelated issues. The document looks some issues in the areas of: infant mental health, adult mental health, and addictions and substance misuse. %0 Journal Article %A Gillen, Eamonn %A Stack, Aoife %A Cahill, Helen %D 2011 %F ndc:15632 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 5-6 %T What’s Working for Children conference. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15632/ %V Issue 38, Summer 2011 %0 Report %9 Other %@ Qualitative research report number 1 %A Harris, Elaine %A Doyle, Erika %A Greene, Sheila %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:15972 %I Department of Children and Youth Affairs %T Growing up in Ireland - The findings of the qualitative study with the 9-year-olds and their parents. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15972/ %X The qualitative studies which are part of Growing Up in Ireland involve interviews with sub-samples of 122 children and their parents. They are designed to complement the quantitative studies of 8,570 nineyear-olds and 11,100 nine-month-olds. This is the first report on the qualitative study with the nine-yearolds. The broad aim of the Growing up in Ireland study is to examine factors which contribute to or undermine the well-being of children in contemporary Ireland. The output from the study is expected to contribute to the formulation of effective policies and design of services which address issues pertinent to the lives of children and their families. The study is closely aligned to the National Children‟s Strategy (2000) which identifies as one of its principal aims that children‟s lives will be better understood, and will benefit from evaluation, research, and information on their needs and rights and on the effectiveness of services. %0 Report %9 Annual Report %A Health Research Board, %A Irish Focal Point, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16812 %I Health Research Board %T 2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point. Ireland: new developments, trends and in-depth information on selected issues. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16812/ %X Table of contents 1. Drug policy: legislation, strategies and economic analysis 2. Drug Use in the General Population and Specific Targeted Groups 3. Prevention 4. Problem drug use 5. Drug-Related Treatment: treatment demand and treatment availability 6. Health Correlates and Consequences 7. Responses to Health Correlates and Consequences 8. Social Correlates and Social Reintegration 9. Drug-related crime, prevention of drug-related crime and prison 10. Drug markets Selected issues Drug related health policies and services in prison Drugs users with children (addicted parents, parenting, child care and related issues) %0 Report %9 Other %A Health Service Executive, %B %C Kildare %D 2011 %F ndc:15966 %I Health Service Executive %T Child protection and welfare practice handbook. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15966/ %X The Handbook, which is based on the protocols as set out in Children First Guidance 2011 and the collective wisdom and best practice of experts and front line staff, will support the vital work of social workers and other relevant practitioners in dealing with child protection and welfare cases. Examples of neglect: Homelessness can be considered neglect when the inability by a parent or carer to provide shelter is the result of not managing their finances appropriately and there is evidence that the money has been spent not on rent but on drugs or alcohol, or the family had been engaged in anti-social behaviour leading to eviction. Emotional neglect is more difficult to assess than other types of neglect, but it is the general opinion that it can have more severe and longlasting effects than physical neglect. It often occurs with other forms of neglect or abuse, which may be easier to identify, and includes: Permitted drug or alcohol abuse – the encouragement or permission by the caregiver of drug or alcohol use by the child. %0 Report %9 Other %A Hope, Ann %B %C Letterkenny %D 2011 %F ndc:16250 %I North West Alcohol Forum %T Hidden realities: children's exposure to risks from parental drinking in Ireland. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16250/ %X This family and alcohol research study was developed by NWAF Ltd in partnership with existing structures within the NW Regional Drugs Task Force area. The findings of this research will provide valuable new evidence on the extent of the problem, establish baseline measures against which future activities can be measured and help inform the development of appropriate support family mechanisms in the North West area and also nationally. Contents 1. North West Alcohol Forum Ltd 2. Aim of the research project p.1 2.1 Background 2.2 Aim of the research project 2.3 Conceptual base of study 3. Review of Literature p.3 4. Research Design p.5 4.1 Methodology 4.2 Data sources 4.3 Framework for analysis 5. Results p.9 5.1 Adults as role models- risky drinking patterns Ireland 5.2 Children’s exposure to risk within families 5.3 Community awareness of risk to children 5.4 Children’s experience of neglect and abuse 5.5 Child abuse and the involvement of alcohol 5.5.1 National Protection Data Results 5.5.2 RAISE data 5.5.3 Hospitalisations for child abuse in the North West 6. Views of frontline staff working in Family Support Services p.29 6.1 Binge Drinking - the drinking norm in Ireland 6.2 Youth doing what they see 6.3 Parental responsibility for youth drinking 6.4 Parental alcohol problems 6.5 Parental drinking - consequences for children 6.6 Intervention – when? 6.7 Ways of working with families 6.8 The meaning of Binge Drinking 7. Family support services p.33 7.1 Strengthening Families Programme - Donegal 7.2 Springboard Resource House Project - Sligo 8. Summary and Conclusions p.35 9. Recommendations p.40 %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Horgan, Justine %A National Advisory Committee on Drugs, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16115 %I Stationery Office %T Parental substance misuse: addressing its impact on children: Key messages and recommendations from a review of the literature. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16115/ %X This literature review, Parental Substance Misuse: Addressing its Impact on Children was prepared as part of the 2010/11 Work Programme of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, and in the context of Action 55 of the National Drugs Strategy.. Its key messages and recommendations, summarised here, are also relevant to other policy initiatives, particularly the National Children’s Strategy and the forthcoming National Data and Research Strategy on Children’s Lives and the forthcoming National Substance Misuse Strategy. %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Horgan, Justine %A National Advisory Committee on Drugs, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:16114 %I Stationery Office %T Parental substance misuse: addressing its impact on children: a review of the literature. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16114/ %X This new report focuses on the needs of children whose parents are problematic substance misusers. It was prepared at the request of the NACD by our Senior Researcher Dr Justine Horgan who is to be congratulated on the quality of her review and analysis of the Irish and international literature on what is known about the impact of parental use of a range of drugs on their children. The report looks, not only at the biological impact of drug use during pregnancy and breast feeding, but even more importantly highlighting the psychosocial impact on children when their parents misuse drugs including alcohol. The report draws attention to gaps in our knowledge of the true extent and impact of that drug misuse in Ireland. A number of key messages are identified in this study: • International evidence underlines that parental drug and alcohol misuse has negative consequences for child development, parenting and family life • Common principles and standards to support work with parental substance and alcohol misusers should underpin services working to safeguard the development of their children • The national Children First guidelines should be used by organizations working regularly with children who experience parental substance misuse and with their parents • Health promotion and public information messages that target parents and the impact of their drug and alcohol use on their children need to also promote support services and interventions. The report also sets out a range of measures which need to be taken on board in order to redress the gaps in our knowledge of what is happening to the children of drug users in Ireland at this time, emphasising five essential research activities. %0 Generic %A Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services, %C Glasgow %D 2011 %F ndc:17368 %I Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services %T Leading for outcomes parental substance misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/17368/ %X Leading for outcomes: a guide, offers general evidence-informed advice and support in leading this approach within the context of adult services. IRISS has also produced several companion guides that complement and add to the content in the main volume. This guide builds on the exercises in the main guide and focuses specifically on the field of parental substance misuse. %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A Ireland. Department of Children and Youth Affairs, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:15522 %I Government Publications %T Children First: National guidance for the protection and welfare of children. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15522/ %X Children First is National Guidance that promotes the protection of children from abuse and neglect. It states what organisations need to do to keep children safe, and what different bodies, and the general public should do if they are concerned about a child’s safety and welfare. The Guidance sets out specific protocols for HSE social workers, Gardaí and other front line staff in dealing with suspected abuse and neglect. Minister Fitzgerald acknowledged and commended all those who work so hard to make sure that every child they interact with is cared for, cherished, supported and protected. She said “These are the practitioners in the professional and voluntary sectors, medical professionals, Gardai, youth workers, teachers, and coaches all over Ireland who already passionately employ best practice in child protection. These people already implement Children First in full, understand their duties and do not need legislation to keep children safe.” Unfortunately, this is not always the case and referring to the publication of the Cloyne report earlier in the week and other reports already published, Minister Fitzgerald said their publication “cumulatively shine a light on horrific episodes from our past; and indeed from our very recent past; where as a state and society we failed in our moral duty to cherish and protect our nation’s children. My role as Minster is to seek that never again will these evils be countenanced.” Minister Fitzgerald referred to non compliance with child protection guidelines in the past, particularly where compliance was on a voluntary basis. She indicated her intention to bring forward legislation to require, for the first time, statutory compliance with Children First. The legislation will provide that all organisations will have a duty to comply with Children First, to share relevant information and to cooperate with other relevant services in the best interest of the child. The legislation will provide for a strong system of inspection and oversight and the need to provide demonstrable evidence that the guidance is being implemented correctly across all sectors. Children First was first published in 1999. The principle and substance of this document (2011) are unchanged. The Guidance has been updated to reflect new policy, legislation and organisation – the establishment of the HSE, HIQA, and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. It incorporates lessons from investigations, reviews and inspections over the past decade. This document reflects the growing awareness of the impact of ongoing neglect on children in its guidance. It also includes bullying as a feature of abuse. Its publication was a commitment in the Programme for Government. Minister Fitzgerald also said “I want the message to go out that it is absolutely critical that if somebody has, on good faith, reasonable concerns over the abuse or neglect child then those concerns must be reported to the relevant authorities and to this end statutory reporting requirements will be addressed as one aspect of the proposed new Children First legislation.” %0 Report %9 Other %A Irish Association of Social Workers, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:15409 %I Irish Association of Social Workers %T A call for change: discussion document. Children and families social workers make their voices heard. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15409/ %X A Call for Change’ was developed and compiled by frontline social workers and calls for comprehensive, meaningful change in the child protection and welfare system in Ireland to promote and protect the welfare of children. Quotes from frontline social workers within the document illustrate their experiences of a system failing children and families. Ten clear areas of change are outlined, which frontline social workers identified as needed in the current system, and a range of solutions are put forward to address the issues. Ineke Durville, President of the IASW, said that ‘frontline social workers in child protection and welfare in Ireland speak out in this document about the gaps and inconsistencies in the service being provided to vulnerable children in the community, in the care of the Health Service Executive and after leaving its care. Although it’s impossible to ensure all children can be safe, it’s vital there is change to prevent children continuing to remain unnecessarily at risk’. The message from social workers in ‘A Call for Change’ is that there are ways that services to children and families can be improved. “Social workers”, Ineke Durville said, “are at the front line every day and have in-depth professional knowledge and experience in this field and want to be at the centre of positive change”. ‘A Call for Change’ argues that these changes need to be based on best practice informed by research and social work theory. In response to the publication of the Ryan Report in 2010, the then Taoiseach Brian Cowen committed the state to making Ireland a model of how to treat children. ‘A Call for Change’ says that is now time to deliver on this commitment. Also at the conference the noted social work academics, Professor Brid Featherstone and Professor Sue White, as well as David Wastell, professor of information systems, will give presentations on related topics. %0 Report %9 Other %A Landy, Fergal %A Forkan, Cormac %A Canavan, John %B %C Galway %D 2011 %F ndc:18116 %I Child and Family Research Centre %T North Dublin Differential Response Model. early implementation report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18116/ %X The North Dublin Differential Response Model (DRM) was developed in the aftermath of a seminar held by the then Children‟s Act Advisory Board in May 2008. This seminar involved a series of presentations, including presentations on the Minnesota differential response model and a presentation on the Foyle Trust „New Beginnings‟ model. Following this seminar a series of meetings and communications took place which led to the decision to pilot the differential response model in North Dublin. This report is the first of three reports that will be produced on the pilot of the DRM in North Dublin. There will also be an interim and final report. At an overall level, the evaluation has two aims: first, to describe the development of the model and its implementation; and second, to establish whether the intended outcomes from the implementation of the model have been achieved. This report contains an introduction with background to the project, the methodological approach and the structure of this report. Chapter 2 contains some brief information on the Minnesota approach and detailed information on the design and development of the North Dublin DRM. Chapter 3 sets out the findings including data from the baseline survey on staff‟s expectations for the project and successes, challenges and improvements that relate to organisational issues, the model itself, practice developments and partnership between agencies. Chapter 4 includes an update on measures taken to address early challenges as well as a set of areas identified by the evaluators as requiring ongoing attention for the development of the project. %Z Prepared by the Child and Family Research Centre, NUI Galway for the Health Service Executive %0 Report %9 Government Publication %A McEvoy, Olivia %A Smith, Martine %A Ireland. Department of Children and Youth Affairs, %B %C Dublin %D 2011 %F ndc:15654 %I Government Publications %T Listen to our voices. Hearing children and young people living in the care of the State. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15654/ %X During 2010, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) conducted a consultation process with children living in the care of the State. The project was called Listen to our voices! Hearing children and young people living in the care of the State. In the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (2009), Justice Ryan recommends that ‘children in care should be able to communicate without fear’. The Government’s Implementation Plan, brought out in response to the recommendations in the Ryan Report, committed the OMCYA to conducting a consultation process with children in the care of the State and to publishing the findings. The objectives of the consultation process were to seek the views of children and young people in the care of the State, in detention and in residential services for children with a disability on the issues that matter to them, to explore existing mechanisms for children and young people to express their views and to make recommendations on future structures to be established for children and young people’s voices to be heard. Advised and assisted by an Oversight Committee that included the HSE and a number of organisations that work with children and young people living in the care of the State, the OMCYA also worked with a Youth Advisory Group to help establish and support the consultation process. The key questions posed to ascertain the views of young people in care were: • What are the most important issues for young people in care? • What services and supports are in place for young people in care and, of those, what works well and what does not work well? • What recommendations do young people have on the way the systems and supports should work and on ways that young people in care should have their voices heard? The aims and objectives of the consultations were: • to seek the views of children and young people in the care of the State on the issues that really matter to them and on which they would like to be heard; • to explore existing mechanisms for children and young people to express their views; • to make recommendations on future structures to be established for children and young people to express their views. A significant challenge in organising the consultations was accessing young people in care, especially in foster care. It must be noted that, despite a number of strong interventions by senior HSE personnel in support of the consultation process, a very disappointing number of children in foster care were informed about the consultations. Due to the absence of a comprehensive database of young people in care, the only mechanism for contacting such young people was via their social workers. Since not every young person is receptive to information coming from their social worker, alternative routes had to be found to contact young people directly and encourage them to participate. A number of non-statutory agencies, working with and advocating for young people in care, were enlisted and assisted in the promotion of the consultations and the recruitment of young people. Thus, following an arduous recruitment process, a total of 211 children and young people took part in the consultations between January and July 2010. Young participants included those in the care of the State living in foster care (some long-term) and residential centres, children and young people detained in St. Patrick’s Institution and in detention schools, and children and young people in residential units because of a disability. Young people who had recently left the care system also participated in the consultations. The difficulty in accessing children and young people in foster care resulted in a disproportionate number of young people in residential care and detention facilities taking part in the consultations. However, as this was a consultation process and not a research study, the views of all the children and young people who took part are valid and add strong value to the provision of a better understanding of the care experience for children and young people. Fifteen consultations were held in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Sligo. A separate parallel process for young people with moderate to severe disabilities was also conducted, with consultations taking place in Dublin, Meath and Galway. The consultations were run in an informal, open and safe manner. Creative methodologies were devised to cater for the diverse cohorts of participants so that they could be empowered to express their views, depending on their level of ability and interest. The participants were very open and articulate in expressing their views on a myriad of issues pertaining to care. Despite their diversity, there was a remarkable consistency in the common themes and issues identified during the consultations as important to the participants. Among these themes and issues were: • the complexity and importance of regular access to birth parents and siblings; • being treated as ‘one of the family’ in foster care; • the importance of assessment and vetting of foster families, as well as their compulsory training; • the lack of information available to young people in care, particularly on aftercare services, which are not consistent in all locations; • the impact of disruption and multiplicity of placements experienced by young people; • the importance of having even one person or agency who will listen and ‘be there’ to support a young person in care; • issues about confidentiality, privacy, constant record-keeping and the difficulties in gaining consent for relatively normal activities. The strongest criticisms coming from participants concerned social work services and care plan reviews. Having identified their key concerns and issues, the young participants made recommendations on how to improve the lives of children in the care of the State and how to ensure that their voices are heard. These included: • a review of social work services, which would ideally lead to social workers having more manageable caseloads and more time to better engage with the young people on that caseload; • a re-examination of care plan reviews, which would result in a system that would better allow young people to express themselves in a less intimidating environment and have an input on decisions impacting their lives in care; • improved assessment and vetting of foster families; • compulsory training for foster families; • increased information on a variety of issues, such as the care system itself, organisations that support young people in care and aftercare services; • availability of counselling. When asked about the mechanisms available to them to ‘express their views’ or what allowed them to ‘have their voice heard’, it was apparent that this notion was alien to many participants. They reported that they are rarely asked for their views or feedback, and that the current mechanisms in place to seek those views are not working for them. This report recommends that the existing structures designed to ensure the voice of the child is heard are reviewed and that a culture of participation is developed in which young people are consulted on the key decisions that affect their lives on an ongoing basis. Despite struggling with the possibilities of what it might mean to ‘have your voice heard’, the participants formulated a number of very practical key recommendations on future structures to better enable young people to express their views and have their voices heard. These recommendations included: • an official ‘forum’ made up of young people from a variety of care settings, which would work towards positive change for young people in care; • regular peer support meetings of young people in care at regional level; • a dedicated support telephone line; • a ‘mentor’ for each young person in care. The young people in detention schools and in St. Patrick’s Institution also identified a number of issues of importance to them. These included the significant role that alcohol and drugs play in their lives, as well as the lack of freedom, privacy, facilities and services available to them in detention settings. The lack of respect from staff was also of considerable concern to young people in detention. These participants also made recommendations for the future of young people in detention settings, almost all of which pertained to their practical needs, such as improved facilities, freedom and privacy. However, in relation to having their voices heard, they suggested: • being treated like human beings (St. Patrick’s Institution) and being respected by staff; • having a representative group to bring the views of young people to management; • having someone to talk to who does not work in the detention setting; • having a visit from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to discuss relevant issues. The report concludes that the agencies responsible for children in the care of the State must listen to the voices of the consultation participants and, more importantly, heed their recommendations. %0 Journal Article %@ 0332-3102 %A McNicholas, Fiona %A O'Connor, N %A Bandyopadhyay, G %A Doyle, P %A O'Donovan, A %A Belton, M %D 2011 %F ndc:15231 %I Irish Medical Organisation %J Irish Medical Journal %N 4 %P 105-108 %T Looked after children in Dublin and their mental health needs. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15231/ %V 104 %X Children in care in Ireland have increased by 27% in the last decade. This population is recognized to be among the most vulnerable. This study aims to describe their placement histories, service use and mental health needs. Data was obtained on 174 children (56.5% of eligible sample) with a mean age of 10.83 (SD = 5.04). 114 (65.5%) were in care for three years or more. 29 (16.7%) did not have a SW and 49 (37.7%) had no GP. 50 (28.7%) were attending CAMHS. Long term care, frequent placement changes and residential setting were significantly related with poorer outcomes and increased MH contact. Given the increase in numbers in care and the overall decrease in resource allocation to health and social care, individual care planning and prioritizing of resources are essential. %0 Report %9 Other %A National Review Panel for Serious Incidents & Child Deaths, %B %C Kildare %D 2011 %F ndc:16120 %I Health Service Executive %T National review panel annual report 2010. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16120/ %X In 2010 the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) issued Guidance for the Health Service Executive for the Review of Serious Incidents including Deaths of Children in Care. This Guidance prescribes that the HSE establish a National Review Panel. The work of the Review Panel is overseen by independent chairperson, Prof. Helen Buckley, Ph.D., School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin. This is to ensure that the Panel can produce reports that are entirely objective and independent of the HSE. Click the link above to access other reports: • National Review Panel Overview of Local Reviews submitted.pdf (size 74.9 KB) • Review undertaken in respect of the death of a young person known to the child protection system: Executive Summary C.pdf (size 8.2 MB) • Review undertaken in respect of the death of a child known to the child protection system: Baby G.pdf (size 988.9 KB) • Review undertaken in respect of the death of a child known to the child protection system: Baby M.pdf (size 439.2 KB) • National Review Panel Desk Top Review Q.pdf (size 7.4 MB) • Review undertaken in respect of a serious involving a child known to the child protection system: W.pdf (size 300.8 KB) • Review undertaken in respect of a serious incident to a young person who was in receipt of after care services from the HSE: Executive Summary.pdf (size 274.7 KB) %0 Generic %C London %D 2011 %F ndc:15227 %I National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse %T Supporting information for the development of joint local protocols between drug and alcohol partnerships, children and family services. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/15227/ %X The purpose of this document is to support local partnerships to develop joint local protocols between the drug and alcohol partnerships and children and family services. The supporting information further develops the previously published ‘Joint guidance on development of local protocols between drug and alcohol treatment services and local safeguarding and family services'. %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2011 %F ndc:14689 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 7-8 %T Growing up in Ireland: infants and their families. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14689/ %V Issue 36, Winter 2010 %0 Generic %A Social Care Institute for Excellence, %C London %D 2011 %F ndc:16077 %I Social Care Institute for Excellence %T eLearning: Parental substance misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/16077/ %X The Social Care Institute for Excellence’s (SCIE) Parental substance misuse elearning resource is designed to support social workers responsible for ‘children in need’ when working with families where a parent or parents are misusing drugs or alcohol. These elearning resources provide audio, video and interactive technology to assist in exploring parental substance misuse, its effects on children and parenting capacity and the implications for social work practitioners. The modules are presented in an accessible and engaging way. They look at: •defining and recognising substance misuse •the effects on people •health and treatment options •relationships with families. Components: •Understanding substance misuse: An introduction to the different types of substances commonly misused and the effects that these may have on the people taking them. •Understanding the impact on children: Explores how parenting capacity may be compromised and how children may be affected by parental substance misuse. •Implications for children’s social work practice: Explores the implications that parental substance misuse has for social work practice and to recognise when an assessment is needed. %0 Journal Article %@ 1873-7757 %A Carr, Alan %A Dooley, Barbara %A Fitzpatrick, Mark %A Flanagan, Edel %A Flanagan-Howard, Roisin %A Tierney, Kevin %A White, Megan %A Daly, Margaret %A Egan, Jonathan %D 2010 %F ndc:23448 %I Elsevier %J Child Abuse & Neglect %N 7 %P 477-89 %T Adult adjustment of survivors of institutional child abuse in Ireland. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/23448/ %V 34 %X OBJECTIVE To document the adult adjustment of survivors of childhood institutional abuse. METHOD Two hundred and forty-seven adult survivors of institutional abuse with a mean age of 60 were interviewed with a protocol that included the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, modules from the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I Disorders of DSM IV and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV Personality Disorders, the Trauma Symptom Inventory, and the Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory. RESULTS The prevalence of psychological disorders among adult survivors of institutional abuse was over 80% and far higher than in the normal population, with anxiety, mood and substance use disorders being the most prevalent diagnoses. Survivors also had high rates of trauma symptoms and insecure adult attachment styles, and these were higher for those who had experienced both institutional and intrafamilial abuse. CONCLUSIONS There was an association between the experience of institutional abuse in childhood and the prevalence of adult mental health problems, particularly anxiety, mood and substance use disorders. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Policies, practices and procedures should be regularly reviewed and revised to maximize protection of young people in institutional care. Evidence-based psychological treatment should be made available to adult survivors of institutional abuse. %0 Report %9 Other %A Olszewski, Deborah %A Burkhart, Gregor %A Bo, Alessandra %A European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, %B %C Luxembourg: %D 2010 %F ndc:13131 %I The Publications Office of the European Union %T Thematic paper. Children's voices. Experiences and perceptions of European children on drug and alcohol issues. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13131/ %X The purpose of this paper is to give meaning and insight into some of the key drug and alcohol issues that affect children from the perspectives of the children themselves. It is not to estimate the relative magnitude of a specific drug or alcohol problem or the numbers of children affected by it. Each section of this paper is preceded by one or two key statistics and whilst the quotations that follow may highlight a need to develop more robust and detailed statistics on a key issue, the overriding objective is to give the children a voice. Table of contents • Introduction • Living with parents with drug or alcohol problems • Children looked after by relatives, foster carers and institutions • Children’s experiences and perceptions of alcohol and drug consumption • Children’s perceptions about alcohol and drug interventions • Conclusions • Acknowledgements • References • Quotation sources %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2010 %F ndc:13021 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %T Exposure to illicit drug use and alcoholism among 9-year-old Irish children. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13021/ %V Issue 33, Spring 2010 %0 Report %9 Other %A Alcohol Action Ireland, %B %C Dublin %D 2010 %F ndc:14123 %I Alcohol Action Ireland %T Keeping it in the family survey 2009. Parental drinking among 18-40 year olds: prevalence and impact. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14123/ %X Frequent fear, often feeling unsafe and witnessing alcohol-related parental conflict were childhood realities for 71,000 to 90,000 children growing up in Ireland. Alcohol Action Ireland commissioned a leading market research firm to carry out the first ever prevalence survey on the impact of parental alcohol problems on children growing up in families in Ireland. It is important for all of us to remember that this was a survey of adults but there are thousands of children in Ireland today for whom this is their current life. You can find a copy of the survey results below along with expert presentations from consutlant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Buckley and substance misuse in the family expert Wendy Robinson. Our research is not intended to be an end but a start to recognising, understanding and meeting these children’s needs. %0 Report %9 Other %@ CAAB research report no. 7 %A Buckley, Helen %A Corrigan, Carmel %A Kerrins, Liz %B %C Dublin %D 2010 %F ndc:14437 %I Children's Act Advisory Board %T Report of an audit of child protection research in Ireland 1990-2009. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14437/ %X Findings: A total of 190 research documents were identified in line with the criteria agreed between the researchers and the CAAB, and are included in the audit. The key findings from the analysis of the audit are as follows: • Research identified in the audit has tended to focus on child protection and the child protection system generally, as well as sexual abuse. This research has primarily been undertaken by clinicians and academics, and spans across sectors. • Over half, (110 or 58%) of the research falls under the heading of policy/practice reviews/analysis. This is further reflected in the fact that the research most commonly focused on operating procedures, followed by practice issues and the policy framework, both in studies with a single focus and those with multiple foci. • The most common type of publication was peer reviewed article (74 or 39%), with commissioned research accounting for just 7% (13). This is in line with the findings that 68% (128) of commissioning/publishing bodies and 74% (139) of research bodies were in the academic sector. • The research published and/or commissioned by the statutory sector follows the pattern found in the audit generally, with the most common type of study being policy/practice review/analysis (27 or 48%) and the most common focus being operating procedures (22 or 39%). • Information sources rarely incorporated primary research with children, with only 14 studies (8%) citing direct contact with children and young people. Information on children was more commonly gathered from case files, professionals and family members. • The topics covered in the identified research were very wide-ranging but closely related to the primary subject area (type of abuse) and the sector in which the research was located. One conclusion stated that: There is a shortage of child protection-focused research on the factors that cause and perpetuate child abuse, such as homelessness, addiction, parental mental illness and domestic violence. The need for material on these areas is demonstrated by the nature and scale of reports to the child protection system and the removal of some children from their families into out of home care as a result of the above mentioned adversities. %0 Report %9 Other %A Eadie, Douglas %A MacAskill, Susan %A Brooks, Oona %A Heim, Derek %A Forsyth, Alasdair %A Punch, Sam %B %C London %D 2010 %F ndc:14142 %I Joseph Rowntree Foundation %T Pre-teens learning about alcohol: drinking and family contexts. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14142/ %X Childhood experiences are crucial to forming future drinking habits. Much emphasis has been placed on understanding the impact of problem drinking within the family, yet much less is known about how children learn about alcohol in so-called 'ordinary families'. This UK study found that: • Children in the 7-12 age bracket have a fairly sophisticated knowledge of alcohol and its effects; • The home is an important source of learning about alcohol and young children anticipate modelling their future behaviour on parents' drinking styles; and • Parents often have limited belief in their ability to teach children to drink responsibly, in the face of external pressures. %0 Report %9 Other %A Fives, Allyn %A Kennan, Danielle %A Canavan, John %A Brady, Bernadine %A Cairns, David %B %C Dublin %D 2010 %F ndc:13992 %I Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs %T Study of young carers in the Irish population. Executive summary. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13992/ %X The term "young carers" refers to children and young people under the age of 18 whose lives are affected in some significant way by the care needs of another family or household member and who provide care, or help to provide care, to that person. Traditionally, the focus of carerorientated policy has been on adult carers. However, in the past 15 years there has been growing awareness of and interest in young carers. A number of key issues have emerged in the literature on young carers: - the definition of a young carer; - the impacts, both positive and negative, of caring on a child or young person; - the invisibility of young carers and mechanisms that can be used to identify them; - the services that are or should be provided to young carers. With regard to methodological limitations, the research team failed to recruit and interview children and young people of parents with drug and alcohol addictions. It is, therefore, likely that the final sample does not include the most vulnerable categories of young carers. Given that the young participants were recruited on the basis of their parent’s or guardian’s consent, however, it was thought that the parents of vulnerable children would be less likely to volunteer information about their family life or to encourage outside interest in their family. %0 Report %9 Government Publication %@ The national children’s strategy research series %A Fives, Allyn %A Kennan, Danielle %A Canavan, John %A Brady, Bernadine %A Cairns, David %B %C Dublin %D 2010 %F ndc:14077 %I Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs %T Study of young carers in the Irish population. Full report. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14077/ %X The term ‘young carers’ refers to children and young people under the age of 18 whose lives are affected in some significant way by the care needs of another family or household member, and who provide care, or help to provide care, to that person. Traditionally, the focus of carer-orientated policy has been on adult carers. However, in the last 15 years there has been growing awareness of and interest in young carers. Research on this topic has greatly expanded and policy-makers and service providers are increasingly acknowledging the need for a specific policy response to address the needs of young carers and to provide support to them. The health problems of those with care needs, being cared for by young carers, included: • behavioural or learning difficulty; • combined intellectual and physical disability; • physical illness; • mental illness; • drug or alcohol addiction; • sensory impairment %0 Report %9 Other %A Harwin, Judith %A Madge, Nicola %A Heath, Sally %B %C Middlesex %D 2010 %F ndc:13863 %I Brunel University %T Children affected by Parental Alcohol Problems. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13863/ %X This study aims to review and identify the main approaches adopted by EU Partners in addressing the issue of children affected by parental alcohol problems (ChAPAPs), drawing specifically on research, policy, practice and service development. This is a particularly timely study as the EU Commission is placing more emphasis on member states to protect young people and children, and the unborn child, from alcohol related harm across Europe. Many EU partners are also in the process of developing and/or updating national alcohol strategies. The above report is complemented by the following reports on all elements of the ChAPAPs project 2007-2010 (See above URL) •Recommendations for Policy Development •Good Practices Manual •Evaluation of Direct Preventative Interventions with Children of Alcoholics •Key Figures on Health Conditions and Policy Regarding Child Health and Alcohol Consumption •Economic Impact of Alcohol Consumption •Capacity Building Toolkit •ChAPAPs Literature Overview %Z An ENCARE 5 Project funded by the European Union %0 Report %9 Other %A Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, %B %D 2010 %F ndc:14344 %I Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children %T If they're getting loaded, why can't I? %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14344/ %X The ISPCC consulted with just under 10,000 12-18 year olds in Ireland, the focus of which was attitudes towards alcohol use. The report shows that 1 in 10 Irish children feel that their life is significantly affected by their parents alcohol use, and that 45% of 12-18 year olds are regularly drinking to excess. In their own words, Irish children relay the stark reality of alcohol mis-use in the home. %0 Report %9 Other %A Landy, Fergal %A Canavan, John %B %C Galway %D 2010 %F ndc:18114 %I Child and Family Research Centre %T A formative evaluation of Jobstown Alternative Response Model. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/18114/ %X Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 provides the context and rationale for the ARM, by outlining the policy and legislative context, the theoretical context, the local context and the ARM model as applied in Jobstown. Chapter 3 presents the findings on the stakeholders‘ perspectives of the Jobstown ARM. Chapter 4 offers a discussion of the findings in light of the theory discussed in Chapter 2, while Chapter 5 provides a set of conclusions and recommendations. • The differential response model (DRM), also known as the alternative response model (ARM), could be viewed as a specific attempt to reconcile the inherent tensions between child protection and family support. • The DRM/ARM ensures low- and moderate-risk cases are provided with a comprehensive family assessment and are offered timely services without a formal determination or substantiation of child abuse or neglect; only high-risk cases receive the traditional investigative response. • The DRM/ARM can be viewed as a step towards a closer relationship between the statutory-based social work resources and the non-government sector, as well as providing more comprehensive outcomes-focused provision. The Jobstown ARM arose in the context of the work plan of SDCSC. Key local managers attended a seminar held by the Children‘s Act Advisory Board on the differential response model in 2008. A study visit to the New Beginnings Project in Foyle Trust in Derry also took place. An inter-agency committee was brought together, and a model was developed that sought to capitalise on the strengths of the differential response model as well as operationalising the Agenda for Children‘s Services. %Z This report was commissioned by Barnardos on behalf of South Dublin Children’s Services Committee. %0 Generic %A National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, %A Social Care Institute for Excellence, %C London %D 2010 %F ndc:14051 %I National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence %T Promoting the quality of life of looked-after children and young people. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14051/ %X The guidance is for all those who have a role in promoting the quality of life (that is, the physical health, and social, educational and emotional wellbeing) of looked-after children and young people. This includes directors of children’s services, directors of public health, people who commission and provide health and social care services, social workers, carers (including foster carers), healthcare workers, staff in independent and voluntary agencies, schools, colleges and universities, and organisations that train professionals and inspect services. The guidance may also be of interest to looked-after children and young people, their families, prospective adopters and other members of the public. The focus of the guidance is on how organisations, professionals and carers can work together to help looked-after children and young people reach their full potential and enjoy the same opportunities in life as their peers. The recommendations cover local strategy and commissioning, multi-agency working, care planning and placements, and timely access to appropriate health and mental health services. In particular, they aim to: • promote stable placements and nurturing relationships • support the full range of placements, including with family and friends • encourage educational achievement • support the transition to independent living • meet the particular needs of looked-after children and young people, including those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, unaccompanied asylum seekers, and those who have disabilities • places looked-after children and young people at the heart of decision making. %0 Report %9 Other %A NSPCC, %B %C London %D 2010 %F ndc:13691 %I NSPCC %T Children talking to ChildLine about parental alcohol and drug misuse. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13691/ %X ChildLine Casenotes is a series of reports based on analysis of calls to ChildLine, a free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK provided by the NSPCC. This report is based on detailed analysis of calls to ChildLine from April 2008 to March 2009. Key findings • Children who were counselled by ChildLine about their parents’ alcohol and drug misuse often also talked about their experiences of physical abuse, family relationship problems, neglect and sexual abuse. • Children talked about being worried, frightened and confused by their parents’ alcohol and drug misuse. • Children often took on a caring role and saw it as their responsibility to solve their parents’ alcohol and drug misuse problems. • Almost twice the number of children were counselled by ChildLine about their parents’ alcohol misuse than about drug misuse. • Children who were cared for by habitual alcohol or drug users could be inducted to rely on alcohol and drugs in order to cope with life’s challenges. %0 Journal Article %A Pike, Brigid %D 2010 %F ndc:13286 %I Health Research Board %J Drugnet Ireland %P 1-2 %T Children talk about living with problem drug and alcohol use. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/13286/ %V Issue 34, Summer 2010 %X ‘She knew not to go near me in the morning ’til I had my foil, then ‘mummy would play’. In the mornings the sickness was the worst … I’d just be telling her to get away. Once I had the gear [drugs] into me I’d be the best mother on the earth.’ These words were spoken by a mother of a four-year-old girl interviewed as part of a research study in Ireland published last year. It is quoted in a new EMCDDA thematic paper on European children’s experiences and perceptions of drug and alcohol issues, published to mark International Children’s Day on 1 June.1 The purpose of the paper is to enhance drug policies and interventions for children and young people by highlighting children’s and young people’s perspectives and their needs. Comprising quotations selected from research studies and governmental and non-governmental reports in 14 EU countries, including Ireland, the thematic paper gives voice to four main issues: o living with harmful parental drinking or drug taking (neglect, violence, abuse, stigma or shame), o being separated from parents and looked after by relatives, foster carers or institutions, o experiences and perceptions of alcohol and drug consumption, and o experiences and perceptions of interventions to address alcohol and drug consumption. The authors consulted three Irish sources2 and used quotations from them to highlight issues associated with living with parents engaging in harmful substance use, and children’s and young people’s own experience of substance use. For example, an Irish child care worker is quoted on the effect of living with a parent engaging in harmful substance use: ‘They become adults very young; they’re like the carer to their parent. They actually know, you can see it in them, that they know when their parent isn’t well … it seems to be a constant worry.’ Looking back, a young Irish woman who had been abused by a member of her extended family during her childhood recalled her teenage years: ‘I turned 15 that January, I just went wild then you know after that like. I did have problems at home … Like when I was growing up, that would have been the start of it, but then I just used to go wild you know with the problems and the issues that I did have, I’d end up going drinking and taking drugs, you know, and not having any, no self-respect or anything for myself.’ In concluding the report, the authors make several observations: o given the complexity and diversity of children’s experiences, correspondingly flexible and holistic interventions need to be developed; o more qualitative drug and alcohol research is needed if Europe is to understand the real needs of children and young people and to implement fully the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC); o large numbers of parents with alcohol problems may generate more problems overall for children in the EU than the smaller number of children affected by parents with illicit drug problems; o the quotations highlight children’s extreme vulnerability, and yet also their desire and capacity to ‘cope’ with difficulties and to make rational judgements about their own situation based on objective information and personal experience; o while quality care and other drug and alcohol interventions are needed to grant children in the EU their right to ‘harmonious development and protection from harmful influences’, abuse, neglect and exploitation, the root cause for many children facing both drug and alcohol problems are poverty and social exclusion. 1. Olszewski D, Burkhart G and Bo A (2010) Children’s voices: experiences and perceptions of European children on drug and alcohol issues. Thematic paper. Luxembourg: The Publications Office of the European Union. Available at www.emcdda.europa.eu 2. The three Irish research studies used in the EMCDDA thematic paper were Bates T, Illback RJ, Scanlan F and Carroll L (2009) Somewhere to turn to, someone to talk to. Dublin: Headstrong – The National Centre for Youth Mental Health; Mayock P (2000) Choosers or losers: influences on young people’s choices about drugs in inner-city Dublin. Dublin: Children’s Research Centre, TCD; Mayock P and Carr N (2008) Not just homelessness … A study of ‘out of home’ young people in Cork city. Dublin: Children’s Research Centre, TCD. These three research reports are available at www.drugsandalcohol.ie %0 Generic %A Bostock, Lisa %C London %D 2010 %F ndc:14055 %I Social Care Institute for Excellence %T Promoting resilience in fostered children and young people. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14055/ %X This guide looks at how childcare professionals can make a difference to young people's experiences of foster care. Professionals play an important role by supporting caring relationships, ensuring that school is a positive experience, and promoting the self-esteem of children and young people in the foster care system. This guide unpacks the concept of resilience and provides helpful hints for practice as well as access to further resources. It is aimed at the qualifying and newly qualified childcare professional and outlines why they matter in the life of a foster child. Positive relationships, at any age in the life span, can help improve poor self-image. People who take an interest, who listen, who care and love people, make others feel better. They bolster self-esteem. %0 Report %9 Other %A Valentine, Gill %A Jayne, Mark %A Gould, Myles %A Keenan, Julia %B %C London %D 2010 %F ndc:14141 %I Joseph Rowntree Foundation %T Alcohol consumption and family life. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14141/ %X This UK study examined how parents teach young children (aged 5 to 12) about alcohol. It explored parental attitudes towards alcohol, and family drinking practices, using a national survey and in-depth case studies. It found that: • Parents are the most important influence on young children's attitudes to alcohol; • Parents are largely successful at conveying the social pleasures and risks of drinking at home and the message that alcohol should be consumed in moderation; • There are gaps in what children learn from home such as the health consequences of drinking and the potential risks of drinking outside the home. %0 Report %9 Other %@ Policy and practice briefing no 13 %A Webb, Anne Marie %A Nellis, Brendan %B %C Belfast %D 2010 %F ndc:14348 %I Barnardo's Northern Ireland %T Hidden harm: addictions in the family. %U http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/14348/ %X Substance misuse impacts across communities in Northern Ireland and the term ‘hidden harm’ is commonly used to describe parental/carer substance misuse and its effect on children and other family members. A family-focused approach recognising the interdependency of individual family members and considering the welfare of children is increasingly highlighted at government policy level. Having previously co-delivered an event to raise awareness about substance misuse in families (Behind Closed Doors, 2008), Barnardo’s NI jointly hosted a further ‘hidden harm’ conference in March 2010, entitled Addictions in the Family. This interactive event in partnership with the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the Public Health Agency (PHA) presented current policy and practice developments, including implementation of the Regional Hidden Harm Action Plan (PHA/HSCB, 2009). A range of leading policymakers, researchers and practitioners addressed 150 delegates working across sectors in areas where parental substance misuse impacts on children and families. Throughout the day a series of themed group discussions also explored: • how collective ownership of the Hidden Harm Action Plan can be achieved • what best helps support children and young people in ‘hidden harm’ families • how addiction services and agencies can be supported to adopt a more family-focused approach. Barnardo’s practice experience and the key issues highlighted at the conference have informed this briefing and its recommendations for policy and practice.