Parental Substance Misuse
Definition
Parental substance misuse is a dependence on, or regular excessive consumption of, alcohol or psychoactive substances leading to social, psychological, physical or legal problems that negatively impact on the health and wellbeing of their children.
Living in a household where a parent or carer misuses substances doesn’t mean a child will experience abuse but it is a risk factor.
Women who misuse substances during pregnancy may put their babies at risk of impaired brain development, congenital malformations, premature delivery, low birth weight and withdrawal symptoms after birth.
Greenwich Strategy
Wider Resources
- Visit the London Child Protection Procedures website for up to date advice
- Visit the NSPCC for information around alcohol, drugs and parenting