The Infant Parent Support Project (IPSP) is an initiative to meet the needs of children and parents where there are issues related to problem drug and/or alcohol use, antenatal and in the infant stages of the child’s life, and where adequate services and support are not being accessed. The project recognises the specific needs of parents and children and was the first of its kind nationally. While providing direct action at project level, it also impacts on service delivery locally/nationally and assists in developing practice and training in this specific area of intervention.

Objective: To promote increased well-being for parents and infants and facilitate service development for those within the target group.

Accessibility of referrals as a first point of contact is a key consideration in the delivery of the Project. An initial informal referral system is encouraged to enhance self or agency referrals, reduce any barriers that may be perceived in terms of stigma or judgment and provide a level of understanding for the needs presenting. Participant feedback and experience facilitates connection to other parents and families living in the area who may not be accessing services. Awareness of the project is also facilitated by co location within an existing community-based drug and alcohol service. Assessment will depend on the needs presenting, reason for referral and level of service providers involvement (e.g., social work). A life story narrative will be undertaken to obtain an insight into the significant circumstances and situations of the parents’ past/present and the meanings attached. Care plan objectives are formulated for both parents and babies as a shared action with short-term, medium, and long-term goals which are regularly explored and reviewed. Many of the goals are related to developing a healthier relationship with addiction, self, and baby or building capacity and confidence in the management of parental needs and responsibility.