The West Essex Alcohol and Drugs Advisory Service (ADAS) was one of the first organisations to provide therapy for children affected by parental drug and alcohol misuse. The award-winning charity is well respected across Essex by both service users and partnership agencies. In a survey carried out in July 2009, Harlow Assessment and Child Protection Team described ADAS as an "essential service, which has offered excellent work with families. It is unique, especially the play therapy, which helps reduce the risk of significant harm to the children and minimise long-term detrimental effects."
The service improves self-esteem and resilience within children and benefits the wider community. Unfortunately, funding for the children's service has been cut and hundreds of children will continue to suffer. Chief executive Philomena Lawrence said: "Children who have no access to early intervention and treatment are likely to become the service users of the future, as they go on to develop alcohol and drug problems themselves. Sadly, an invaluable service is being lost through funding cuts."
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