Living with an elephant: Growing up with parental substance misuse

Author: Kroll B.

Source: Child & Family Social Work, Volume 9, Number 2, May 2004 , pp. 129-140(12)

Publisher: Blackwell Publishing

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Abstract:

Although parental substance misuse is now a focus of concern in child welfare practice, we know little about what it is really like for children who grow up in families where adult drug and/or alcohol use is an issue. Set against a backdrop of research links between parental substance misuse and child maltreatment, this article examines a number of studies that focus on the experiences of children and young people in this context. Emerging themes are identified which provide insight into the world of children for whom a substance is, effectively, a family member –‘the elephant in the living room’– and the implications for practice, particularly in relation to children's visibility, disclosure and confidentiality, are considered. It is argued that a focus on the ‘elephant’ often leads to children remaining ‘invisible’ to those whose role it is to ensure their welfare.

Keywords: attachment; child carers; child maltreatment; parental substance misuse

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2004.00325.x

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