Research and analysis

AMCD inquiry: 'Hidden harm' report on children of drug users

Report of the findings of the ACMD's inquiry on children of problem drug users in the UK.

From:
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
Published
14 June 2011

Documents

Scottish Executive's Response to Hidden Harm

PDF, 1.57 MB, 69 pages

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Hidden Harm - full report

PDF, 2.01 MB, 92 pages

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Details

This report sets out the findings of an inquiry carried out by the Advisory Council, focusing on children in the UK with a parent, parents or other guardian whose drug use has serious negative consequences for themselves and those around them.

The report sets out 48 recommendations and the following 6 key messages:

  • there are between 250,000 and 350,000 children of problem drug users in the UK - about 1 child for every problem drug user

  • parental problem drug use causes serious harm to children at every age from conception to adulthood

  • reducing the harm to children from parental problem drug use should become a main objective of policy and practice

  • effective treatment of the parent can have major benefits for the child

  • by working together, services can take many practical steps to protect and improve the health and well-being of affected children

  • the number of affected children is only likely decrease when the number of problem drug users decreases

Published 14 June 2011

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