Parents Who Misuse Drugs and Alcohol - (Wiley Child Protection & Policy) by Donald Forrester & Judith Harwin (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book presents original research outlining the key elements in responding to parental misuse of drugs and alcohol.

• Offers a definition of "misuse" and "addiction" and the factors that influence the nature of misuse or addiction
• Reviews extensively the nature and impact of parental substance misuse on children and families using the latest evidence
• Explores how research and theories might help inform professionals or non-professionals assessing families affected by parents who misuse drugs or alcohol
• Provides an in-depth discussion of Motivational Interviewing, including a critical discussion of the challenges and limitations involved in using it in child and family settings
• Considers the wider implications of the findings for practice and policy and argues that these responses can be used across the field of work with vulnerable children and their families

From the Back Cover

Parental misuse of drugs and alcohol has been recognized as a major challenge for child and family services in recent years - it is not a small-scale problem that can be left to specialists, but an issue that every professional working with children or their families encounters on a regular basis.

In this book two of the leading experts in this area present their own original research findings, and insights from the wider literature, to define 'substance misuse' and to outline key elements in responding effectively to this issue. Their approach suggests that the best way to tackle the problem is to focus on the needs of both the child and the parent. The authors provide tried and tested evidence-based guidelines for effective practice for those assessing families affected by parents who misuse drugs or alcohol. In addition, the authors suggest that these approaches offer the opportunity to improve practice and policy responses across the field.

Review Quotes

"There are some books that deserve a place in the small and well-thumbed libraries that accrue in practice settings, and this is one of them. I would regard it as essential reading for all those seeking to develop or improve practice with substance-misusing parents." (Oxford Journals Clippings, 1 January 2012)

About the Author

Donald Forrester is Professor of Social Work Research and Director of the Tilda Goldberg Centre at the University of Bedfordshire.

Judith Harwin is Professor of Social Work and Director of the Centre for Child and Youth Research at Brunel University.