1. Family Service Unit Scotland
Strengthening support for families affected by parental substance use

2. The Context Hidden Harm (2002) Hidden Harm Next Steps(2006)
Getting Our Priorities Right (2002)
It’s Everybody’s Job to Make Sure I’m Alright (2002)

3. aim Outcomes Outputs Increased self esteem and resilience in children
To reduce the risks and needs of children with problem substance using parents.
aim
Increased self esteem and resilience in children
Families access other helping services
Outcomes
Increased engagement with school
Parents receive ongoing support with addiction
This is a visual representation of the approach that Family Service Unit Scotland’s services – Harbour and Hearth Projects – take in working with families affected by parental substance use. It is a holistic approach that looks at the needs of the whole family. The approach has to be flexible and as accessible as possible in order to engage a ‘hard to engage group’.
Intensive support is offered to parents around parenting issues. This can often be about helping them to develop better routines so that their children get to school regularly. Give example of work done.
Family school liaison work where workers work closely with school staff to address attendance and other issues. Workers can support parents to talk to school staff so that they are aware of any difficulties at home. It can also lead to schools identifying children who are having difficulties because of their parent’s drug or alcohol problem and referring them for support.
Helping families access other services that enhance their support networks is important – this could be services for children such as after school clubs or leisure and recreational activities, or therapeutic support. For parents it could be to address training, education or employability or mental health issues.
Joint working with adult services has been mentioned earlier but is key.
The Harbour and Hearth Projects offer individual and group support to children to help them develop their resilience and to increase their confidence and self-esteem. These could be focused groups looking at the issues for them
Development of parenting capacity
Joint working with professionals from children’s and adult services
Intensive support to parents to develop parenting capacity
Individual and group support to children
Outputs
Helping families access other services
Family school liaison work to promote positive school experience

4. The Hearth Project, West Lothian Achievements 2005-2006
40 families supported
33 parents with problem drug use,
9 with problem alcohol use
Support offered to 13 children on child protection register
Offered support to several pregnant drug users.
3 Groups for children offered.

5. What works for us? Intensive support Being flexible and accessible
Good partnership working with drug and alcohol services
A holistic, whole family approach