Many different professionals and agencies in drug and alcohol services and child welfare and protection services are now involved in the care of children who are affected by parental problem alcohol, and other drug use. They have an equally important role to play in ensuring that a high standard of care is delivered so that the best possible outcomes for children and their families can be achieved. This Practice Guide is mainly concerned with the care of children who have unmet needs: where there are concerns about the health or wellbeing of the child/unborn child or young person, and where these are linked to the impact of parental problem alcohol and other drug use on parenting capacity.

Specific guidance on this topic is needed for professionals because parental problem alcohol and other drug use is associated with social, legal, economic and health-related problems; and these often complicate the delivery of care to these families. Much coordination and understanding between professionals and agencies working in the area of drug and alcohol services and child welfare and protection is therefore often needed.

This Guide also seeks to promote earlier intervention with children and families affected by problem alcohol and other drug use. Both national and international evidence (Hidden Harm Strategic Statement, 2017) points to the importance of the provision of support at an early stage; and the Hidden Harm agenda for both of the agencies of HSE and Tusla – Child and Family Agency, is that of the transformational goal of earlier intervention (Hidden Harm Strategic Statement, 2017).