Looking At How Children Are Affected By Alcohol Social Work Essay

Looking At How chelaren Are Affected By alcohol companionable Work manifestThe aim of this project is to consider belles-lettres and search in Yankee Ireland, the UK and worldwide surrounding the semblanceship surrounded by inebriant troubles and p arnting capacity. Alongside this I wish to map existing service provision for minorren who atomic number 18 pargonnt by a caregiver who has an alcohol trouble and draw on recommendations made by the research evidence. I will highlight germane(predicate) Policy and Legislation in coitus to reducing risk to nipperren via the unfathomable Harm judicature report. The implications of this report will be discussed in analogy to service provision and the blue Ireland response.Substance mis up result has a grow and direct impact on those connected to the misdirect.. the biggest indirect impact is practic on the wholey felt by the small fryren or young pile (HHAP, DHSSPSNI, 2008 2). Neverthe slight Kearney et al (2000 ) in Hayden (2004) intimate come out that the issue is underestimated and skimpyly recognised in affable execute caseloads.Approximately 250,000 350,000 UK barbarianren acquire a stir with an alcohol problem (Alcohol C at oncern, 2000). Parental alcohol mis usage is associated with a great position of emotional and demeanoural problems through and throughout childhood and into magnanimoushood (Kroll and Taylor, 2003). According to evidence from Tunnard (2002) br archeozoic(a)ly work caseloads piddle seen enate alcohol problems lark near importantly for nearly time, with close to a quarter to a third of allocated cases existence families with enatic heart and soul debauch (Forrester and Harwin, 2008). Parental functioning may be fall up wizardd either whilst the parent is intoxicated, hung everywhere or pre-occupied with sourcing their next drink, make them physically and/or emotionally unavailable to the child (Beckett, 2007). At the subtile end of the spectrum, internality insult is over-represented in cases of severe cry out and child death (Reder and Duncan, 1999, in Forrester Harwin, 2006).To analyse the impact parental intoxication problems consider on children I will explore literature and research from twain international and UK perspectives. further it should be noned that methodological weaknesses were evident in some of the studies. For example, there was less focus on womens crapulence casts and it was sticky to comment on pre- workers as children were collectively grouped together. Tunnard (2002) nones how there are frequently UK studies regarding medicine than alcohol problems. Scaife (2008) notes how more a(prenominal) an other(a)(prenominal) studies referred to substance misuse earliest than medicine or alcohol, making it difficult to separate the two and how research ignored fathers at times, focal point gender specifically on mothers. more studies were in admission carried out on small numbers of families who had volunteered to participate, this so does not account for in involuntary service users or those who get under ones skin not save recognised their intoxication to be debatable.A single definition of alcohol problem is un spend in many studies making comparison between them problematic. Nevertheless, what is clear from the literature is that parenting mate with an alcohol problem can precede in damaging outcomes for children in terms of emotional arrestment and behavior (Kroll and Taylor, 2003). Misuse of alcohol by parents places children at increased risk of respectable trauma. It does not fol slump that such harm is inevitable (Forrester Harwin, 2008 1520). What I therefore want to avoid suggesting in this project is that misusing alcohol does not automatically infer poor parenting. To do so would serve to reinforce the burdensomeness faced by those with alcohol problems and further heighten barriers to eng climb onment with habituation run.Prevalence of the problemResearch by DHSSPS (2008) uncovered that in Northern Ireland 72% of adults drink alcohol, 62% of which drink at least once weekly. 8% of drinkers consume alcohol daily or almost daily, as yet only 4% identify themselves as heavy drinkers. Local instruction is limited but it is estimated that one in eleven children in the UK are biography with someone who has an alcohol problem and as the result of parental substance misuse approximately 70% of young raft are looked after and 40% are on the child protection take and (HHAP, DHSSPSNI, 2008).Brisby et al (1997) propose that approximately 35,000 children in Northern Ireland are surviving with a parent who is a problematic drinker, with 800,000 in Wales and England and 85,000 children in Scotland. end-to-end the get together Kingdom, alcohol is readily available and is a companionablely legitimate pastime in pots lives. Alcohol Concern (2009) reports that payable to most adult problem drinkers ex istence part of a wider family the the likes oflihood of this negatively link on children is excessive as it is estimated that 1.3 million children are put oned.Dore et al (1995) in Hayden (2004) estimate that between fifty to eighty percent of parents drive inn to companionable operate in the USA go out problems with substance misuse. However, it should be remark that differences exist in the preaching of dependency in the UK and USA as the former is focused on Harm reduction social impersonates with the last mentioned being exceptionally unsoundness oriented (Scaife, 2008).This literature review aims toinquire what kick a parental drink problem has on children. canvass the make on childrens overall development, by discovering literature from a sociological and psychological perspective.Examine literature from Northern Ireland, the UK and international sources to de constrictate the influence a parental drink problem can have on a childs soundly being.Analyse the G overnment response to families of problematic drinkers by inspecting Northern Ireland and UK policy.Summarise function proposed to meet the necessarily of problem drinkers, identify gaps in current usage and make evidence base proposals for meeting such pauperism.Tunnard (2002) establishes that throughout research there is a clear message that parental problematic drinking is capable of resulting in behavioural, developmental and emotional effects on children.Being placed in an addictions group last year ignited my interest in how alcohol impacts on the entire family and during my final placement attainment opportunity in family and child cares Gateway service I set in motion parental problematic drinking to be commonplace amongst new referrals. This, coupled with previous personal experience provided me with a desire to gain a full understanding of the bearing this has on children. I anticipate that this piece of work will compound my insight in the area and better prepare me for pursuing a Family and Child Care social work role.Alcohol problem in contextVarious terms are utilised in relation to the concept alcohol problem which causes concern cod to the creation of overlap. Tunnard (2002) bring ups that many studies combine alcohol and drug misuse into the broad term substance misuse. However what does explain the issue well is Tunnards, (20028) definition enjoyment of wet drink that warrants attention because it seriously and repeatedly affects the drinkers behaviour. Recommended daily quantity guidelines have little bearing as it is not quantity which leads to the repeated affect on behaviour. The American Psychiatric Association utilises the definition of the maladaptive pattern of use leading to clinically significant impairment or suffering characterised by the display at anytime during a one year tip of one or more of a specified set of symptoms (Tunnard, 20028). Laybourn (1996) canvass parental drinking patterns and assessed the effect s on the children, finding opportunistic drinking and binge drinking to be the most contend to families these most affect routines and parental availability (Tunnard, 2002).Cultural Historical perspectivesBancroft (2007) argues that to address alcohol problems in effect through practice and policy we first take away to consider historical and cultural dynamics.Alcohol, which was referred to in biblical times and before, has undoubtedly been a feature of society since the beginning of time (Room et al, 2005a). It is evident that all societies make use of intoxicating substances, with alcohol being used as a social activity (SIRC, 2000). Norwegian research by Skog, (2006) points to the fact that alcohol has been a feature in most cultures since time began despite its consumption varying over the years due to periods of prohibition through the 19th and archean 20th centuries. Indeed, the cornerstone of civilisation- agriculture was thought to be utilised in enjoin to harvest grai n for the production of beer as much as for bread (SIRC, 2000).The pervasiveness of problematic drinking is not thought to be nowadays related to consumption. superstar only has to enter a public kin in Northern Ireland on a Friday or Saturday night to observe countless people using alcohol to socialise and drink well above the recommended levels when doing so. The difference being that the majority of these people can curtail over their intake and can choose to stop in the morning. Marmot (2004) points out that there has been a 50% rise in alcohol consumption over the past 50 years, with approximately 25% of the British existence drinking more than recommended levels. It is evident that there has been a rise in the trend to consume alcohol, with problems in connection to drinking including self-harm, suicide, early mortality, crustal platelessness, abhorrence and mental health problems. The issue Health benefit information decoct (2009) report that the comp allowe househo ld spending on alcohol go by 86% from 1992 to 2007. Following this period alcohol was 75% more affordable than in the eighties, highlighting the trend of it being increasingly affordable and prevalent.Heath (1998) purports that in countries similar to Ireland where there is a high relative incidence of people experiencing social and psychiatric problems the intake of alcohol is relatively low. However when compared to Italy or France where alcohol use alcohol is high, social and psychiatric problems are less prevalent. Heath (1998) also points to cross-cultural research which implies that behaviours demonstrated as a consequence of alcohol consumption are shaped by cultural and social aspects rather than the chemical effects of alcohol (SIRC, 2000). Difficulties problem drinkers encounter are therefore not necessarily as a result of the alcohol they consume, but cultural factors relating to societal norms, beliefs, and attitudes towards drinking. In all culture, whilst drinking rules are set in place by Government they remain surrounded by self-imposed norms and regulations regarding who may drink what, when and how (SIRC, 2000). moreover alcohol may be used as a sign of status consider the idea of vineyards, fine wines and champagne for example. Placing some of the cursed for alcohol-related behaviours onto society deck outs questions about how to tackle the issue effectively. This may mean challenging beliefs about the effects of drinking which would not hold favourably with social work values of respect, empowerment or anti-oppressive practice.Regardless of the apparent correlation coefficient between parental substance misuse and child care anxieties, British research on the issue remains extremely limited (Tunnard 2002). Contrastingly, American research on the same topic has been plentiful and is thought to be explained by the rise in the use of Cocaine in the United States throughout the 80s. In many states there was a doubling of children being t aken into care between 84 and 89 as a consequence of parental substance misuse (Freundlich, 2000, in Forrester Harwin, 2006). However, it is difficult to assume American expirations to Britain, as families live in different social mint and in varying degrees of poverty. As previously alluded to Americas approach to addiction is disease orientated, largely ignoring external causal factors, in contrast to Britains social model whereby an individuals social context is taken into consideration.Psychological Sociological viewpointsVelleman Templeton (2002) estimate around 8 million families live with the effects of a family drink problem, only Kroll (2004) points out that the necessarily of children of alcoholics are often invisible. Alcohol presents two faces to the family. One face that is of a beneficial and healthful beverage that fosters warmth and intimacy. The other face is that of a potentially hazardous potion that jeopardises ones family through conflict, violence and release (Leonard Eiden, 2007 286).Moos (2006) purports that strong attachment to a substance misusing parent may increase the possibility of the behaviour being modelled. Kelley et al (2004) analyse American college age men and women and found that those who had alcoholic parents were increasingly likely to have an nauseating/avoidant or defensive attachment in later life, additionally having an unavailable parent was though to create repetition of poor relationships in adulthood.Bancroft et al (2004) found that children had an witting(predicate)ness of their familys drinking problem, despite parents believing their children were not aware of their alcohol use. They schematic that parents felt they were still caring for their children as their visible of necessity such as food and clothing were met, whilst most parents cared about their children they were not caring for them. A Danish conduct by Christensen (1997) in some ways mirrored Bancrofts in relation to parents thinki ng their children did not have knowledge of their problem. The children were aware and at times felt in some way responsible they were unable to identify a concord network for themselves and usually did not tell although many wished for a recession or some form of respite. Parents went to great lengths to ensure their childs physical needs were met yet failed to see the emotional neglect caused by their drinking. Moe et al (2007) studied American children aged 7 to 13 who attended a program for children of problem drinkers. They found that children benefited from knowing the truth about their parents problem and addiction in ordinary as this assisted them in tinge less to blame. The young people also related abstinence to being a positive factor in having a good life.A frugal study (Laybourn et al, 1996) which looked at the perspectives of 20 children who were parented by a problem drinker further confirmed how aware children are of their parents drinking. Children expressed t heir widely distributed sadness, worry and anxiety about their parents alcohol problem and tattleed of how they witnessed outbursts of drunken violence. Alcohol is a disinhibitor, which can reduce an individuals ability to control violent impulses (Beckett, 2007 126). round young people adopted the role of care giver for the parent or for siblings and at times acted as an arbitrator or confidant and they spoke of either being late for school on a regular basis or not attending at all. A number of these children believed they would benefit from meeting other young people in similar circumstances (Laybourn et al, 1996). Velleman (2002) recognises how children may experience psychological and behavioural problems on board physical effects. Family roles and routines are often disrupted such as school attendance, communication, special occasions and meal times. The young person may change by reversal the carer, protector or mediator within the family (Tunnard, 2002) and have difficul ties in relation to trust. It is common for children to have to grow up too soon and effectively miss out or have unresolved developmental stages due to caring for themselves and siblings whilst parents are unavailable (Kroll Taylor, 1998).Lynskey et al (1994) in a in the raw Zealand study found conclusive evidence suggesting adolescents with problem drinking parents were at increased likelihood of experiencing mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, behaviour problems and are at increased risk of going on to misuse substances themselves. The study pointed to over fifty percent of the participants being affected in one or more of these ways. Further New Zealand research by Connolly et al (1993) found that nine year olds whose parents are problem drinkers displayed greater behavioural problems in school in comparison to their peers and 13 these behaviours manifested themselves at home rather than school.Taylor et als (2008) UK study found that issues of guilt and low se lf-esteem may result in parents feeling undeserving of discourse as they internalise the negative opinions of others. This in turn has potential to create a negative effect on the welfare of their child(ren) as when parents draw back they may be decreasing the help their child receives. Social learning theory proposes how a parents problematic drinking may affect their child Substance use originates in the substance-specific attitudes and behaviours of the adults and peers who serve as an individuals role models Moos (2006183). In addition, Parental alcohol use predicts youngsters beliefs in the positive effects of alcohol, which is associated with earlier initiation of alcohol use and subsequent alcohol misuse Moos (2006185).Vellemen Orford (1999) point out that the problems children face at home may be as a result of disharmony and family conflict rather than the parental drinking problem per-se. Children can feel responsible for this discord and powerless in avoiding and cont rolling the situation (Kroll, 2004). As social workers we need to be aware of how issues such as home(prenominal) violence and financial problems may be interconnected with an alcohol problem. Between 2004 and 2005 3,442 children called Childline regarding a family alcohol problem (Childline, 2006), 44% of whom primarily cited physical abuse as a result of their parents drinking. Furthermore, children tended to declare about the effect of the alcohol problem such as domestic violence or physical abuse before mentioning alcohol. Childline also inform that many callers were talking about caring for their younger siblings, often missing school to do so. Finances were regularly an issue for these children, particularly as there was not of all time enough money left over to buy food. They described feelings of confusion, worry and of embarrassment of their parent, evidently focusing on the adults feelings rather than their own. Such feelings have the potential to create social isola tion for children as they may fear bringing a paladin over to play.Alcohol misuse may be coterminous with, or mask, other deficits in parenting, or other relationship problems. Unless tackled, relapse is likely, even if the programme is initially successful (Sheldon McDonald, 2009 220). Forrester Harwin (2006) noted the strong relationship between substance misuse and domestic violence with 64% of adults who experience such abuse having a family member who has a problem with alcohol. Velleman Orford (1999) established that children living with parental alcohol misuse are likely to find themselves siding with one parent or another by keeping secrets and are five times more likely than their peers to be pulled into parental disagreements.Although no magisterial database exists evidence suggests that children are more likely to live with mothers who have problems drinking. Children reported that the feelings of fear and embarrassment were more evident when the parent was female in comparison to the parent being male (Scaife, 2008). The traditional role of a mother is perceived by society as a nurturing care-giver. As a result many children find it hard to accept the compassion and embarrassment of their mother having an alcohol problem and can feel let down as a result (Bancroft et al, 2004). In addition, Bancrofts Scottish study (2004) break ups that children had mixed feelings of pity and anger in relation to their parents. Their joints indicated elements of abuse and neglect, coupled with violence, school disruption, unpredictability, role reversal and parental absence. Many young people were cooking for themselves and caring for siblings on a regular basis. Bancroft et al (2004) found that this group of children found Young Carers Groups a source of encourage. Taylor et al (2008) also observed children taking on parenting roles in their UK study.Forrester Harwins (2008) study drew the conclusion that children who were not removed from the family h ome had poorer outcomes (39%) compared to those who were removed (56%). They also found that girls tended to be more resilient than boys who had a tendency to internalise problems. Children of alcoholics can develop coping strategies and resiliency (Fraser et al, 2008) and go on to look forward to a bright future while parental drug/alcohol use can fracture parent-child relationships, the ravish need not be imperishable if parents can resolve their substance-use problems (Fraser et al, 2008 18). Fraser et al found that many children in their UK study saw Social Workers as important people keeping their playscript and believing in the children was highly valued. Parents in this study recognised the damage to their children to include withdrawal, poor school attendance, and behavioural problems they stated how social function need to provide adequate training for staff in recognising the effects of substance misuse. They cited family upbringing, peer influence and/or specific trau mas and tragedies in their lives as triggering their drinking problem. A North American study by Tracy Martin (2007) conclude that children are a motivating factor in parents seeking help, with many being supported by their children aged 6 to 11.Forrester Harwin (2008) noted that in studying 100 families, where minor or decreasing levels of alcohol misuse was evident, children remained in the family home and care proceedings began much sooner with drug misuse compared to alcohol misuse. This highlights the somewhat lenient view society and in turn, social services have on alcohol. It is perceived as conventionality to utilise alcohol for social purposes, indeed Room (2005b) argues that alcohol holds a high status, for example in the UK or USA speaking of a champagne reception elicits thoughts of pro-social behaviour.Policy LegislationThe Children Act (2004) and The Children (NI) Order (1995) established concepts of Child in Need and Significant Harm, highlighting a Trusts wakel ess obligation to identify such notions and safeguard a childs welfare through the provision of services to families. However the pertinent deliberation in all family alcohol misuse cases is not to lose sight of the fact that the welfare of the child is paramount. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) ensures that the paramountcy principle is upheld and affords children the opportunity for their voice to be heard. Since the Children Act was implemented the UK has focused social services foreplay on supporting families. The implications of which are apparent in Supporting the Families (1998), every Child Matters (DfES, 2003), Every Child Matters Next Steps (DfES, 2004) and Every Child Matters Change for Children (DfES, 2004). These Green papers set out a National framework for meeting the needs of children, supporting families, focusing on legal community and minimising risk. Murray Shenker (2009) argue that despite these Every Child Matters papers endeavouring to pr otect and delay child welfare, policy still fails to acknowledge the distressing influence on family members. In addition, Murray Shenker further argue that Englands Harm reduction strategy overlooks the need to respond to families affected by problem drinking instead focusing individually on the drinker.Although being criticised for over-focusing on dugs rather than alcohol, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs Hidden Harm report (2003) recognises how Children deserve to be helped as individuals in their own right (Hidden Harm, 200318). Its key messages include acknowledging that services need to work together, treating the parent will benefit the child and that substance misuse affects children of all ages. It recommends that decreasing harm should be the objective of policy and practice and that prompt identification of affected children should be a priority. In addition it stresses the magnificence of multi-agency collaboration and joint training and resources.Local go vernment have begun to recognise the need to tackle alcohol problems and have generated a regional action plan The New strategical Direction (NSD, 2006-2011) for alcohol and drugs, the overall aim being to reduce drug and alcohol related harm in Northern Ireland. A particular feature of the New Strategic Direction (NSD) is the identification of two themes. These are children, young people and families and adults, carers and the general public. DHSSPS (2006, NSD 1.6.1). A further important objective is to ensure that adult addiction services work in collaboration with childrens services to provide a shared policy agenda to improve the lives of young people living with substance misusing parents or carers.The Northern Ireland report- our children and Young people, our shared responsibilities (2006) saw the revue and consequent reform of child protection services and implementation of regional Safeguarding boards. Relevant recommendations further highlighted a need for increased inte r-agency strategies responding to alcohol and drug misuse and its impact on children. It points to the need for increased inter-agency training and the importance of engaging and consulting with children and families. The 10year Northern Ireland strategy- Our children and Young People, our pledge (2006) identified 6 outcomes evaluate for all children, including safety and stability which are important factors to be considered when works with young people affected by alcohol in the family.Service User PerspectivesThroughout the research, there were various harrowing quotes from children demonstrating their feelings towards their parents which go some way in summarising what they are going through.For example My mom always told me, You dont tell anyone about what goes on at home, if you tell anybody you wont be living with me anymore so I never told. My life seems like one big secret. Its hard to trust people now (Murray, 1998 526). A young girl aged 8 goes on to state I would love my mum to stop drinking but I know she wont (HHAP, DHSSPSNI, 2008 4)A mother agrees in that respect should be more family sign services addiction affects everyone in the family and this needs addressing (HHAP, DHSSPSNI 2008 4)I grew up feeling ashamed, frightened, lost, guilty and lonely feeling unconfident, unsafe, unlistened to, unprotected, unloved, unlovable feeling there was no-one there, inner(a) or out. (The words of actress Geraldine James Guardian extract, McVeigh (2010)Through my placement in Family and Childcares Gateway Service it was evident that alcohol was a feature of many referrals. Two service users I worked with spoke of how they had been affected by a family drinking problem.Ms A was removed from the care of her parents in her early teens as they both had problems with alcohol, resulting in Ms A experiencing neglect. She told me of how poor her home circumstances were and how, looking back, she could not believe how long social services permitted her and her siblings to live there. Nevertheless she spoke very warmly of her mother and how of much of an effect her death had on her.Ms Ms husband had a severe alcohol problem and still does she divorced him when her youngest children were born but recognises the impact his behaviour had on her older children. Ms M experienced domestic violence when he was drunk which was witnessed by the older children. She states how all the way she can see the difference in her older and younger children due to them not having had their father present in their lives. She talked to me about how he would dissolve for days, sometimes weeks, leaving her and the children worrying about his whereabouts.Local and Regional ResourcesThere are a number of services and resources operating throughout the voluntary and statutory sectors in Northern Ireland and the UK which aim to support problem drinkers and their families. In order to better prepare workers, Eastern Board training pickings the Lid off supplies staff with training on examining the effects of addiction on the entire family. Trust Community Addictions Teams also utilise fetching the Lid off booklets to assist problem drinking parents in visual perception the problem from the perspective of other family members. Service users may be referred to in-patient treatment at Downshire hospital or Carlisle dramaturgy, for example. Whilst the focus of these resources is on getting specialize help for the parents, as pointed out in the regional HHAP (DHSSPSNI, 2008), assisting them will in turn help the children. AA meetings and Trust addiction team group work programmes afford parents the opportunity to meet with others in the same circumstances and provide a mechanism for running(a) through their issues.The Dunlewey centre offers some support and counselling for children, alongside working with their parents on the Key to Change Programme. A book called Rory has been launched by ASCERT, Barnardos, SE Trust and Public Health agencies ( BBC News, 2010). This aims to raise awareness of the issues of drinking in the family home and demonstrates to children that it is all right to talk about it. The Barnardos PHAROS service operates in The Eastern Board area, working on supporting and treating families affected by substance misuse, whilst the Dove House Hidden harm project supports children by offering respite and resiliency work. The Ego project in the Western Board supports young people at risk of hidden harm via one to one counselling. inwardly the Eastern board, EDACT operates sub group meetings to allow representatives from voluntary and statutory addiction services to discuss concerning issues and prevent overlap of services. Alateen operates in the UK and Ireland for young people aged 12-17, allowing them to share their familiarity of living with a family member or friend who has an alcohol problem. The regional headquarters is based in Lisburn, with services including a helpline and meetings, sponsored by AA members.Despite these services showing signs of beginning to understand the needs of children it is evident that the focus remains on the adult receiving help. For the majority of services the parents need to be identified and engage with services themselves in order for the children to avail of any assistance. In addition it was clear whilst talking to Social Workers in Gateway that awareness levels need to be raised regarding the caseful of services available to children and the importance of recognising the effects on them. Whilst the provision of services is essential, Zohhadi et al (2004) point out a number of potential barriers to family betrothal with treatment including a lack of parental recognition of their problem and insufficient knowledge of available services. Social stigma creates an added element of secrecy resulting in families feeling marginalised. Society negatively stigmatises alcoholics therefore entering treatment may mean further marginalisation (Room, 2005 b). Children risk normalising their parent(s) behaviour and as accord is required to work with them parents may not permit this for fear their child disclosing the full extent problem and being removed by social services. Taylor et al (2008) noted difficulties in engaging children if parents do not hold and how engagement can lead to the parent feeling labelled.Recommendations and ConclusionsIt is apparent from the reviewed literature that being parented by a problem drinker has a variety of psycho-social effects on children. A more holistic, systems approach needs to be employed whilst supporting families as other issues tend to take preference ov