Case reviews highlight that professionals often focus on the issues faced by parents with substances use problems without considering the impact on their children.

Problem substance use by a parent or carer is widely recognised as one of the factors that puts children more at risk of harm. The biggest risk posed to children is that parents, when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are unable to keep their child safe (including overlay through co-sleeping and accidents caused through lack of supervision).

This briefing looks at case reviews published between 2022 and 2023, where parental substance use problems were a key factor. Many of the learning and recommendations contained in the serious case reviews repeat lessons from numerous other reviews. Reviews emphasise that professionals need to conduct child-centred assessments and continue to reassess the potential risks that children face in households experiencing problems with substance use.