Hidden Harm
The importance of the “Hidden Harm” agenda
The tragic case of the death of “Baby Peter” in London served to once more highlight the issue of hidden harm and the critical importance of early identification and prevention in order to reduce the harm to children of parental problem drug use.
The National Drug Strategy 2008 – 18, “Drugs: protecting families and communities” continues to emphasise the need to prioritise families and communities where drug and alcohol misuse is causing problems.
It is estimated there are between 250,000 and 350,000 children of problem drug users in the UK.
Parental problem drug use can and does cause serious harm to children at every stage from conception to adulthood.
Effective treatment of the parent can have major benefits for the child.
The number of affected children is only likely to decrease when the number of problem drug users decreases.
By working together, services can take many practical steps to protect the health and well-being of affected children.
Play your part
Professional in the children’s, young people’s and adult services or in any LDAAT partner organisation can play their part in the development of hidden harm in Lancashire.
To find out more, contact the Young People’s Team at the LDAAT.
To download a pdf of the Home Office Report “Hidden harm – Responding to the needs of children of problem drug users” go to www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk.
For more information on this subject, click on the link below:
Hidden Harm Presentation
Bridget Boyle '" Lancashire Care Foundation Trust on behalf of the South Lancashire Hidden Harm Working Group.
