A new report from the Alcohol and Families Alliance (AFA) calls for further action to address alcohol-related harms affecting children and families.
Download Families First: An evidence-based approach to protecting UK families from alcohol-related harm (pdf)
In addition to setting out many of the ways in which children and families are affected by alcohol-related harms, the report makes 12 recommendations including improving support for carers and families, improving information for parents and addressing the wider impact of alcohol in society.
The report calls for a new national minimum standard to drive evidence based support, better training for frontline practitioners to identify and signpost for relevant issues, and updated guidance on supporting carers involved with substance misuse. Attention to informing parents about alcohol misuse and efforts to reduce stigma should also be enacted, as well as implementing minimum unit pricing and other national policy levers.
The Alcohol and Families Alliance (AFA) has been established by Adfam and Alcohol Concern to think about, discuss and develop policy on alcohol and the family and is working with an alliance of organisations to further its goals. The report was launched with the support of several MPs including those involved in pushing for further attention to the issue of children affected by alcohol dependent parents such as Liam Byrne. Adfam have also launched a new #StigmaMakesMeFeel campaign, aiming to help tackle the stigma experienced by families affected by drugs and alcohol.
Earlier this year PHE announced details of the £4.5 million innovation fund to support up to eight local authorities in addressing the needs of children of dependent drinkers, estimating 200,000 children living with alcohol-dependent adults. A toolkit is also available to support all local authorities in understanding and responding to the issue. A new national alcohol strategy has been announced, expected early next year.
The AFA website includes a list of resourcs relevant to alcohol and families.
This afternoon with @AdfamUK launching their #familiesfirst report and talking about our work for children of alcoholic dependant children. @LiamByrneMP @CarolineFlintMP and Fiona Bruce MP. pic.twitter.com/Xmr60fnvEV
— Steve Brine MP (@BrineMinister) July 3, 2018
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