Parents Who Misuse Drugs and Alcohol
Effective Interventions in Social Work and Child Protection

Donald Forrester (Author), Judith Harwin (Author)

9780470871515, Wiley

Paperback / softback, published 14 January 2011

264 pages
23 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm, 0.381 kg

"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)

"The practice of social work in relation to children at risk and the problem of substance misuse are both high up the public policy agenda and never out of the media spotlight. Forrester and Harwin draw on their own important research and that of others to raise challenging questions, not only about how social workers find it difficult to deal effectively with parental alcohol and drug problems, but also about the need to bring fresh thinking to social work more generally. The issues they raise, in a thoroughly engaging and scholarly way, make this a key text for all those concerned about families and children at risk and about the future of the social work profession.
—Jim Orford, Professor of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK

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

About the Authors.

Acknowledgements.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]