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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