Plight of children affected by drugs scourge highlighted

Between 250,000 and 350,000 children have at least one parent with a serious drug problem, according to a new report by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

In its report, 'Hidden Harm', the ACMD found that many thousands of children face physical and psychological harm, often have to fend for themselves, and may have to look after their parents and younger siblings in drugs affected households.

The report estimates that around 2-3% of all children under 16 in England and Wales and as many as 4-6% in Scotland are affected by drugs misuse in parents. As well as drawing attention to their needs and the extent of the problems they face, the report also highlighted examples of good practice.

In its conclusions, the report calls for more assistance to children and parents through effective, joined-up working between agencies.

Chairman of the ACMD Prevention Working Group, Dr Laurence Gruer OBE, said: “Babies can be harmed during pregnancy by the drugs used by their mothers. From birth onwards their parents’ drug problems can endanger their health in many ways and cause a great deal of emotional and psychological damage that often goes unnoticed.

"Out of shame or fear, or simply because they’re too young, such children are rarely able to speak to anyone about their experiences and can become isolated and excluded from society.

“But parents with serious drug problems should not be frightened away by services – they should feel they can come forward and get help without walking into more trouble. The aim should be to keep children with their parents wherever safe to do so - combining treatment for the parents and support for the child.”

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth described the report as "groundbreaking" and reiterated its call for services to be expanded.

He added: "We are investing record amounts - just over £1.2 billion this year, rising to £1.5 billion in 2006 - in the Drug Strategy. As part of this we have just launched a new innovative £3 million campaign - FRANK - to inform and advise children and their parents about drugs.

"The main aim of the Drug Strategy is to get the estimated 250,000 problematic drug users away from drugs and into treatment. Only by reducing their numbers can we reduce the amount of children that have to suffer the consequences of growing up in an environment wrecked by drugs."

The ACMD is established under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act to keep under review the drug situation in the UK and to advise government ministers on the measures to be taken for preventing the misuse of drugs or for dealing with the social problems connected with their misuse.

(GMcG)