THE NSPCC Helpline made 1,083 referrals to agencies in the West Midlands over concerns of drugs or alcohol misuse by a parent or carer.
The charity, which offers help to those who are concerned for a child’s safety, makes a referral when concerns reported to the helpline are considered to be serious enough to warrant further investigation or if it is felt a family needs support.
The NSPCC has released these figures as it joins with the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) to let children who are experiencing parental substance misuse know that they are not alone, and support is available.
According to Nacoa, which organises Children of Alcoholics Week, which runs from February 9 to 15, one in five children in the UK are affected by their parent’s drinking.
And, last year, the NSPCC say 7,856 children in the West Midlands who were subject to a Child in Need assessment were identified as having a parent who misused alcohol.
A parent or carer misusing alcohol and drugs can have negative effects on children at different stages in their lives. During pregnancy, drinking and drug use can put babies at risk of birth defects, premature birth, being born underweight and withdrawal symptoms.
In later years, parental substance misuse can put children at risk of behavioural or emotional problems; poor attendance at school or low grades; physical and emotional abuse or neglect; or being exposed to criminal activity.
Childline delivered 4,402 counselling sessions last year with children and young people from across the UK who worried about their parent’s substance misuse.
One 13-year-old boy who contacted Childline said: “Mum changes completely when she drinks: she shouts at everyone and can get violent.
“When this happens, I have to look after my younger siblings and protect them. It’s hard to live in an unstable home like this; I never know if she’ll be in a good mood or not.”
Kamaljit Thandi, NSPCC Helpline director, said: “Parents who drink or take drugs to excess may have difficulty looking after their children and responding to their needs.
“Some may lose consciousness, leaving no other responsible adult present to care for their child and ensure their safety. The stress upon children of having parents who misuse substances can cause impaired development and problems with learning and memory.”
Hilary Henriques, chief executive of Nacoa, added: “Some children spend their childhoods trying to do the impossible; stop someone else drinking. Talking to someone who understands and doesn’t judge can be lifesaving.
“When they know this is not their responsibility and that only the person drinking can make that choice, the burden of ‘failing’ is lifted from their shoulders, opening up an opportunity to live their own lives, irrespective of whether their parent continues to drink.”
The charities want to remind children that it is not their fault if their parent or carer drinks, and they do not have to keep it a secret. It is not down to them to stop their drinking. They have the right to feel safe and loved at home and they do not have to cope alone.
And talking about it does not mean they will get their parent into trouble but if they are worried they can speak to Childline confidentially.
Childline is available free 24 hours a day on 0800 1111.
Nacoa’s Helpline is available for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking – children, adults and professionals – by calling 0800 358 3456 or at [email protected].
