In March 2015 the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force (TDATF), in conjunction with Barnardos Lorien Child and Family Service, commissioned research to collect and collate comprehensive and robust data on the number of children potentially affected by parental substance misuse in the communities served by TDATF. The research was undertaken in an effort to provide a better picture of the hidden harm to children of parental substance misuse, in order to plan for local service provision.

The objectives of the research were:
• To ascertain the potential scale of ‘hidden harm’ to children whose parents misuse substances;
• To deliver a comprehensive and robust snapshot of the number of children possibly impacted in the area, so as to inform the development and implementation of the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Task Force strategic plan and broader national policy;
• To deliver a comprehensive research findings report; and
• To make recommendations to progress this area of work and addressing emerging needs.

The research design was predominantly quantitative in nature, complemented with a qualitative component. The data collected was analysed, with key findings informing a series of recommendations.