Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs, Second Edition

Joy Barlow MBE is a freelance consultant at Joy Barlow Consultancy (www.joybarlowconsulting.com). Until recently she was Head of STRADA (Scottish Training - Drugs and Alcohol). Prior to this she worked in research, was an advisor to governments and a contributor to their major strategic documents, and developed and trained a workforce of professionals involved in this field.Di Hart is now a freelance consultant but was previously a child care social worker and manager before working in a practice development role for the National Children's Bureau. She has a particular interest in the needs of children living in secure care. Recent work has included a review of the 'naming and shaming' of children in trouble by the media and an international literature review of children's homes. She has recently returned from a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travel Fellowship looking at international approaches to child imprisonment.Jane Powell has been a child care social worker for many years and has also worked at the National Children's Bureau looking at the development of best practice for families affected by parental drug misuse. She now works as a Children's Guardian in Inner London.

Research tells us that helping professionals who are not specialist drug and alcohol workers, like social workers, regularly engage with children and families affected by problematic alcohol and drug use. Research also tells us that these practitioners often feel poorly equipped to deal with such complex issues, often with limited specialist knowledge and training. That is why the second edition of Adult Drug and Alcohol Problems, Children's Needs is such a welcome resource, especially as it considers both alcohol and drug use. Based on a research informed model for meeting the needs of children affected by parental substance misuse, the toolkit gives practice tips, models for assessment, tools for reviewing practice, training exercises and much more. Practitioners across the helping professions will find this toolkit relevant and invaluable to support, challenge and develop their day to day practice in this area.