It is twenty years since the publication of the seminal report Hidden Harm. Responding to the needs of children of problem drug users. The report of an Inquiry by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs. (UK Government). In 2006 FamiliBase began substantial work with children and families affected by parental problem alcohol and other drug use and have worked tirelessly alongside these families In 2013, the National Hidden Harm Project was established by TUSLA and the HSE to inform service planning and improve services for children in relation to Hidden Harm. In 2019 HSE and Tusla published The Hidden Harm Strategic Statement and The Practice Guide – Seeing through Hidden Harm to Brighter Futures. 

This conference was a consequence of the need to look more closely at legacy, achievements, progress and future work with regard to Ireland’s response to ‘Hidden Harm’. The Purpose of the conference ‘Hidden Harm‘ is the experience of children living with and affected by parental problem alcohol and other drug use. The conference aimed to:

• Discuss ‘Hidden Harm’
• Identify the needs of children and families impacted by ‘Hidden Harm ‘
• Report on the ‘Hidden Harm ‘project
• Show case evidence- based interventions to address ‘Hidden Harm ‘
• Create a community of practice.

This report will provide summaries of the day’s activities and consider the outcomes of the conference, examining how well the conference achieved its aims.