SUBSTANCE USE IMPACT ON CHILDREN

RHONA MCARTHUR

TEAM LEAD

Overview Local picture

What is Substance Misuse

Risks in pregnancy

ID risks

Keeping Children safe

Outcomes

Local picture Over past 5 years, 2 live birth who’s parent/s were in

treatment for alcohol misuse

1 child permanently removed from care of both parents

Worth noting however that nationally reporting of alcohol use / misuse during pregnancy is under reported by pregnant mothers

Unlikely that we see anywhere near the full picture

What is substance misuse Drug and alcohol misuse is a complex issue.

While the number of people with a serious problem is relatively small, someone's substance misuse and dependency affects everybody around.........

Dependency icd-10 • Strong desire and compulsion to take the drug

• Difficulties in controlling use of substance

• Physiological withdrawal state

• Development of tolerance

• Progressive neglect of other aspects of life

• Persistent use despite evidence of harm

Risks in pregnancy The potential for harm from the use or abuse of

substances.......is particularly acute during pregnancy and can have a severe and damaging impact on pregnancy and the health of the baby.....yet pregnancy can act as an equally strong incentive to make a positive change in behaviour and lifestyle. It is important that this is both recognised and supported by early years and health practitioners who work with pregnant women

NHS Health Scotland, Maternal and Early Years

http://www.maternal-and-early-years.org.uk/topic/pregnancy/substance-use-and-misuse-in-pregnancy

Risks.......... complications in pregnancy and labour

maternal death

miscarriage

premature birth

stillbirth

infant death

low birth weight

withdrawal symptoms in infants

physical and neurological damage to the baby

FASD

How we identify risks Self or professional referral

Some women will identify themselves

Women misusing alcohol far more difficult to identify and support

ASK......talking and listening to women is so important. Just because you have asked once, does not mean you cannot ask again.

Harm reduction All women of child bearing age:

Contraception

Education and advice

Safe drinking levels

If children in home and substance use parent/s

Referral onto social work / children and families to support understanding of risks

Policy context GIRFEC

Child Protection guidance

The Early Years Framework

The Road to recovery

Changing Scotland's relationship with alchol

New Maternity Pathway

Protecting Children and young people affected by adults with problem substance misuse

Outcomes FASD predicted to be under diagnosed as yet

Pregnancy can be motivator to significant positive change

Improving inequalities

Any questions?..........