Social care Impact of parental substance abuse on children is reduced

PROJECT
FED UP (Family Environment, Drug Using Parents)

PURPOSE

To reduce the negative impact of parental alcohol and drug misuse on children and ensure they are kept safe

FUNDING

£29,400 for a 10-week group work programme for five children plus work with their families, from the NSPCC's own resources

BACKGROUND

In 2003, the government published the findings of Hidden Harm, an inquiry into the needs of children of problem drug users.

It estimated they numbered between 250,000 and 350,000 in the UK, highlighting risks including physical or emotional abuse and neglect, and a wide range of emotional, behavioural and other psychological problems.

The issue was something professionals in Grimsby were increasingly concerned about, so the town's Drug Action Team submitted a successful bid to the Children's Fund and approached the local NSPCC centre to set up a support group for substance misusers' children.