The Drug and Alcohol Team Partnership (DAAT) and Child Protection Committee (CPC) had jointly developed guidelines for working with children and families affected by substance misuse. Staff working with adults readily identified children who were living in a family affected by adult substance misuse. However, staff tended to refer children automatically and referrals to the Child Protection Duty Team (CPDT) escalated to a level which was unmanageable.
Health and social work staff developed a screening tool to assist in the initial assessment of risks to children living in families affected by substance misuse. The screening tool had assisted staff in substance misuse services to clearly identify risks and to reach an informed decision about when to refer a child to the CPDT.
The initial screening assessment is carried out in all circumstances where children are dependent upon, living in the same household as, or, in contact with a person who is misusing substances. The assessment takes account of the needs of the child, the home and the caring environment.
Children whose care and welfare is likely to be at risk are appropriately identified and referred to the CPDT. There are examples where this has successfully resulted in the provision of more appropriate family support services.
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