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11/11/2008
Drug Abusers' Kids Targeted For Support
This week saw the launch of a new 'Regional Action Plan' to provide help and support to children with substance misusing parents or carers.
Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "When we discuss alcohol or drug misuse, the focus is often on the individual directly affected.
"However, substance misuse also has an impact on those connected to the misuser - it has an impact on their family, on their friends, on their community, and on our society as a whole.
"The biggest indirect impact is often felt by the children and young people who are born to, or living with, substance misusing parents or carers. This impact of substance misuse on children is often referred to as 'Hidden Harm'," the Minister said, noting that the Plan estimates that there could be as many as 40,000 children in Northern Ireland living in a family where there is a substance misuse problem.
Recognising this as a major issue, the Minister said: "It will not be easy to address, and improvement will not come overnight. Nevertheless, if we can ensure that children's services are working in partnership with addiction services to deliver the actions contained in this document, then we can, and will, make a difference."
(BMcC)
Northern Ireland Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey said: "When we discuss alcohol or drug misuse, the focus is often on the individual directly affected.
"However, substance misuse also has an impact on those connected to the misuser - it has an impact on their family, on their friends, on their community, and on our society as a whole.
"The biggest indirect impact is often felt by the children and young people who are born to, or living with, substance misusing parents or carers. This impact of substance misuse on children is often referred to as 'Hidden Harm'," the Minister said, noting that the Plan estimates that there could be as many as 40,000 children in Northern Ireland living in a family where there is a substance misuse problem.
Recognising this as a major issue, the Minister said: "It will not be easy to address, and improvement will not come overnight. Nevertheless, if we can ensure that children's services are working in partnership with addiction services to deliver the actions contained in this document, then we can, and will, make a difference."
(BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
