Paternal relationships can affect child substance abuse

The report, Growing Up with Dad: Fathers and their Impact on Substance Use, is due to expose the extent of drug and alcohol use among children and young people in Wales.

Launching at a conference in Cardiff next month, the report will include the results of research carried out by Children in Wales and Catch22 using the Communities that Care Programme (CtC).

Around 18,000 questionnaires were completed by young people of secondary school age in Wales, looking at how young people rate their relationships with their father and whether this correlates with whether they drink, smoke and use cannabis.  

Pat Dunmore, director of CtC in Wales for Catch22 said: "We know the importance of good parenting in children's lives but for a long time that was seen as the mother's role.

"It's clear from this research that it's not enough for dads just to be around. What makes the difference is having a good relationship between dads and their children."

CtC tackles social exclusion and problem behaviour by working with local communities to promote better outcomes for the children and young people living in them.