This guidance has been drafted in consultation with people who work either with substance misusers or with children and young people, or both. The aim is to provide guidance for everyone who has an interest in the well-being of children and families. This includes staff in drug and alcohol services, children's services and criminal justice agencies. The guidance should be useful for social workers, medical and nursing staff in hospitals and the community, health visitors and other health professionals, teachers, housing staff, youth workers, psychologists, staff in voluntary organisations, reporters, police, and staff in prisons. The parents and families with whom they work, and their representatives, may also find the guidance useful in describing what to expect from services and agencies.