Executive issues new guidance on children affected by parents who abuse drugs and alcohol

New child protection guidelines have been published by the
Scottish executive to help children living with parents who abuse
drugs and alcohol, writes Nicola
Barry.

The guidance, ‘Getting Our Priorities Right’, is
designed to help professionals working with up to 160,000 Scottish
children living with parents who have drug or alcohol problems.

The guidance provides advice to children’s services as well as
criminal justice agencies on how to identify problems which are
threatening a child’s well-being.

Cathy Jamieson, minister for education and young people, said:
“Our recent child protection review showed we needed to take action
to stop vulnerable children falling through gaps in provision.

“This new guidance stresses that agencies must work together
across Scotland to improve joint working and information
sharing.”

The guidance is available
here