To date, research into the impact of parental substance on children has encompassed a variety of health, social and economic aspects. Children who live in households with parental substance misuse are more likely to experience exposure to poverty, domestic violence, hospitalisation, learning difficulties, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Children affected by parent/carer substance misuse often have additional well-being and mental health requirements including sociodemographic and antenatal exposures that predispose infants to developmental challenges as well as adverse childhood experiences. Problem alcohol use within the family has been shown to be a significant risk factor for early alcohol use in adolescence. Substance misuse is widely acknowledged as a significant public health problem and may be defined as ‘recurrent use that is causing actual harms (negative consequences) to the person (including dependence, but also other health, psychological or social problems), or is placing the person at a high probability/risk of suffering such harms’. There are a number of policies and services in place to provide targeted support for vulnerable families aimed to mitigate adverse impacts and enable families to remain together where appropriate, including Families First. This Data Insight presents the findings of a study conducted as part of the BOLD Substance Misuse Demonstrator Pilot (Phase 1) in Wales, which focuses on early intervention and prevention of escalation of substance misuse. Further information on the BOLD programme can be found here: Better Outcomes Through Linked Data (BOLD).

This research compares the health and criminal justice outcomes of children living in households with or without adult substance misuse. The study aims to inform evidence-based strategies for prevention, intervention, and additional support, thereby fostering healthier trajectories for children and their parents and carers affected by substance misuse in Wales.