“Very worrying” rise in children at risk from their parents’ drug or alcohol misuse
WE COULDN’T HELP GIVING YOU A SNEAK PREVIEW OF WHAT IS GOING TO FEATURE IN THE PAPER NEXT WEEK. SO HERE IS LESSON FROM THE 1950S AT THE POPULAR BURBAGE SCHOOL HDPP hand out their cash to good causes inside this week
LEICESTERSHIRE saw a “very worrying” rise in the number of children at risk from their parents’ drug and alcohol misuse ahead of lockdown.
In 2019/20, 6,194 children across the area were referred to children’s social care services and assessed, to determine what services to provide and action to take.
Of that number, 866 were deemed to be at risk from their parents’ drinking, and 861 from their drug use - although it is very likely that there is crossover between the two.
The numbers were up from 815 children at risk from their parents’ alcohol misuse in 2018/19, and 738 at risk from their drug misuse.
The rise is partly due to the fact that more children are being assessed in the first place.
While the figures only go up to March 2020, charities have warned that the pandemic is exacerbating the situation.
Alcohol misuse is harmful drinking and alcohol addiction, while drug misuse is a dependence on, or regular excessive consumption of, psychoactive substances.
Parents and carers who misuse substances often have chaotic, unpredictable lifestyles and may struggle to provide their children with safe care and clear boundaries.
It also puts children at a much greater risk of physical and emotional abuse, exposes them to toxic substances and criminal activities, and raises the risk that they too will develop drug or alcohol problems.
Andrew Fellowes, NSPCC associate head of policy and public affairs, said: “These rising numbers are very worrying as parental substance misuse can make it harder to provide consistent care for children, and may contribute to increased risk of harm.
“We’re particularly concerned about this problem now, as life during the pandemic has become incredibly stressful for some families. Frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services and some are turning to alcohol and drugs to cope.
“It’s vital the Government helps local areas keep their family support and substance misuse services available for families as the crisis continues and sets out a plan to invest in services to help children and families recover from the distress and disruption of this crisis.”
The number of cases where children were identified as being at risk from their parents’ drinking and drug use is also on the rise nationally.
Across England, 72,620 children were deemed to be at risk because of alcohol and 70,870 because of drugs in 2019/20 - up from 67,250 because of alcohol and 64,620 because of drugs the year before.
Alison Henderson, young person’s and family worker at drug, alcohol and mental health charity We Are With You, said: “People who use drugs or alcohol problematically often do so as a reaction to past trauma in their lives and what’s going on around them. It is a health issue that should be met with support and compassion.
“When a child grows up with a parent who has an issue with alcohol or drugs, there can be a long lasting impact. Often the child will develop a core belief that the situation is in some way their fault, that they aren’t good enough.
“This affects their self worth and can lead to issues such as mental health problems, lower educational outcomes, using drugs or alcohol themselves and a higher risk of attempted suicide.
“For many young people with parent(s) with a drug or alcohol issue, school is often a space of safety and solace. It’s an ordered, positive environment with people that care about them.
“Schools are also normally the first organisation to notice if there is an issue going on at home, so these rising statistics coupled with schools currently being closed paint a really concerning picture.
“Furthermore, we know that research has shown that isolation and stress of the pandemic means people with a pre-existing drug or alcohol issue are more likely to have increased their drinking or drug use.”
She added that while parents can often feel a sense of shame and find walking into a drug and alcohol service daunting, all support can currently be accessed online or over the phone, making it much more private.
They should not worry about losing their children if they admit to having a drug or alcohol problem, as services are aimed at helping the family unit work well.
Those concerned about their alcohol or drug use at the current time are encouraged to get in touch with We Are With You, and can talk anonymously with a trained advisor via its online webchat: www.wearewithyou.org.uk.