Karen Mustard, project manager at the trust, says parents with drug or alcohol problems are scared to confess to their condition. "It's difficult with mental health or substance misuse because of the stigma attached, so a parent is reluctant to admit they have a problem because they think if someone in the statutory services finds out, the child will be taken away," she says.
"We know that's very unlikely to happen. But it stops people accessing support. As a project we have to have parental consent for young people to be involved. Otherwise they can't join the group."
She adds: "We may receive a referral from social services or a voluntary organisation. The parent doesn't admit there is anything wrong, but their child may need support."
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