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By Jo Tunnard.
Research in Practice
£5.50
ISBN 0954183401   

Outcomes for children in need can be improved by making research findings accessible to practitioners. Yet, the literature tends to be complex and the task of keeping abreast onerous.

This 46-page pamphlet identifies, distils and translates research relevant to breaking the "silence and fear" that surround problem drinking. In one study, a quarter of newly looked-after children in a 12-month period were from families where this was a pressing issue.

The pamphlet defines and classifies problem drinking, explores its impact and identifies messages for service delivery. It points out that problem drinking is not always associated with adverse outcomes and unravels the links between problem drinking, domestic violence, child maltreatment and vulnerability. It argues child protection should not make assumptions about the impact of parental alcohol use.

Practitioners and managers will find useful prompts for assessment, outcomes to be achieved and thresholds for intervention. Messages to avoid fragmentation of services and to consider all affected family members also make this a useful source for inter-agency training and policy discussion.

Sue Richardson is an attachment-based psychotherapist, trainer and co-author of Creative Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Jessica Kingsley, 2001)