Children Affected by Parental Substance Misuse (CAPSM) Christine Laverty Head of Addiction Services North West Sector

Role of Adult Services in Child Protection Adult Services play a vital role in the support and protection of children It is crucial that Adult Services look behind the adult presenting to identify children affected by parental alcohol and/or drug use, mental health issues, offending behaviour To provide support to parents To provide specific analysis to colleagues within Children Services of the impact on children

Key Guidance

Alcohol & Drug Services Approach Routine enquiry incorporated into Addiction Screening & Assessment tools for all adults presenting for an service e.g. living circumstances and parental/caring responsibilities for any children (not necessarily their own) Where under 16s are identified, priority is given to adults sharing same address as a child. For these adults, an Impact of Parental Substance Use (IPSU) assessment is carried out - 30 day completion target Guidance for staff in working with vulnerable families has been developed and implemented

Our Approach (cont’d) A range of Child Protection training is provided and mandatory for staff Specific services for Vulnerable Families Commissioned Services – Parenting Support via Recovery Hubs Joint working with Maternity Services Robust interface with Children Services – Routine joint working, planning, training

Impact of Parental Substance Use Tool (IPSU) Based on Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) principles (also known as SHANARRI Wellbeing Indicators) The assessment focuses on the parent’s ability to look after their child and how their alcohol & drug issues impact on their children

Impact of Parental Substance Use Tool (IPSU) Does not assess children, assessing adults and their ability to deliver for their children Provides a level of analysis, balancing risks identified alongside protective factors Where there is deemed to be a level of risk, routine referral and joint working with Children’s Services

SHANARRI Indicators

Key Messages Parent’s health issues, lifestyle choices and behaviours do affect parental capacity Parental substance misuse DOES compromise parenting capacity Parents with alcohol & drug issues engaged meaningfully in treatment and care protects and supports children Parents in Recovery protects and supports children

Key Messages Adult Services MUST look behind the adult to identify children who may need support and/or protection