Parents and substance use. Editorial essay, special themed collection

Abstract

First paragraph: Parents who use substances are the focus of governmental concern and moral opprobrium internationally, and their children are specifically targeted for social services intervention. Policies that inform practice for parents who use substances are complex and contradictory. There is widespread concern regarding the impact of parental substance use on the welfare of children, but little scientific/clinical consensus regarding what aspects of substance use represent risk or harm to children. This is despite an increasing emphasis on evidence-based policy and practice. Similarly, there is wide variability in how far poverty, poor housing or domestic violence are understood to mediate in child welfare outcomes in families with multiple and complex needs.