Background: Parental Problem Alcohol Use (PPAU) has been internationally acknowledged as an adverse childhood experience for at least two decades. It’s wide ranging and often severe consequences on mental health throughout all stages of development have since been documented across various contexts. PPAU remains a highly prevalent issue in Ireland, affecting approximately 200,000 children and 400,000 adults (Silent Voices, 2019). Alcohol Action Ireland, has published several documents with an aim to address this issue and advocate for the provision of services that can specifically deal with this topic. The aim of this project is to assess the current experience of working with adult and child clients who have grown up with Parental Problem Alcohol use across a wide range of mental health services, as well as the current preparedness for our services to deal with this issue.

Method: This is an explorative study utilising a purpose- built survey. This data includes a total of 132 survey responses to a 26-item questionnaire from a broad range of mental health professionals in Ireland. Qualitative responses are analysed using a mixture of thematic and content analysis. Quantitative analysis is primarily descriptive due to the exploratory nature of the study.

 Results: The results demonstrate a significant need and want for an increase in training related to parental problem alcohol use within mental health sectors in Ireland. The risk and protective factors identified in this study highlight areas where interventions and programmes are most needed to reduce the impact of PPAU. Specific needs were found in relation to supports outside the family home that are accessible to children. These included a trauma 3 informed and engaging educational environment that can connect children to counselling services, accessible social activities and relationship building initiatives.