2/3/2010
LANCASHIRE County Council has pioneered a hands-on guide to support childcare staff when faced with drug or alcohol misuse in the families they work with.
Called 'Action', the 54-page handbook provides a wealth of advice on what can be an emotive subject, and addresses the many issues raised when children are growing up in households where substance abuse is a concern.
Often staff at Early Years settings such as children's centres and nurseries are the first to see the worrying signs and the guidance aims to help them respond confidently and effectively. More than 80 childcare professionals attended the recent launch of the guide.
County Councillor Susie Charles, cabinet member for children and schools, said: "Our staff working with under-fives are at the front line of working with young families and their antennae are highly tuned to pick up anything amiss in a household.
"While drug or alcohol use in itself may not directly threaten a child, the side-effects of misuse, such as lack of supervision, poor routines, or toxic substances being in the house, can be serious.
"Workers need clear guidance on exactly what to do and where to get support in these situations and the new Action handbook does just this.
"I congratulate everyone who has been involved in compiling it and I am sure it will be put to good use in Lancashire and beyond."
The government's 2003 report 'Hidden Harm' estimated that between 250,000 and 350,000 children were affected by parental drug misuse and that reducing harm should be a priority.
According to the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Board's 2009 statistics, substance misuse is a recurring feature in cases of children suffering serious harm or death, along with domestic violence and/or mental illness.
As well as giving background information on the issues, 'Action' describes some of the common effects of drug/alcohol misuse, outlines workers' legal responsibilities, and looks at how to deal with situations both in the childcare setting and on a home visit.
There are also case studies illustrating how best to respond if a parent who seems to be under the influence of drugs or drink comes to pick up a child, if drugs and alcohol are being used while a child is at home, if a child shows behaviour that indicates knowledge of substance abuse, or even if a fellow worker is under the influence.
The guidance has already been circulated to all of Lancashire's children's centres and will soon be sent to all early years settings including nurseries, childminders, out-of-school clubs, private settings and nursery schools.
You can also see it on Lancashire County Council's website at www.lancashire.gov.uk/education/childcare (click on 'Integrated Services and Partnership', then on link to 'Action Drugs and Alcohol Guidance Handbook').
Posted: 2/3/2010