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

2. 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

3. Key Guidance

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. SHANARRI Indicators

13. 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

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