More calls to NSPCC in Yorkshire related to drugs and alcohol

Figures show the monthly average number of contacts to the NSPCC helpline from people across the UK worried about parental substance misuse is 66% higher since April 2020

Author: Natalie HigginsPublished 17th Feb 2021

New figures from the NSPCC in Yorkshire have found the number of people calling the helpline with concerns about parents' use of drugs and alcohol has increased by 66%.

The average monthly number of child welfare referrals about parental alcohol or substance misuse made by the NSPCC helpline rose from an average of 78 per month between January and March 22nd 2020, to 127 per month between April 2020 and January 2021. In the last 10 months, there was a total of 1,273 referrals in Yorkshire & Humberside.

Ruth Nicholson Grindrod, Helpline Manager, NSPCC, said: "Lockdown really has led to the perfect storm in the home. We have children at home, parents not being able to leave because of the lockdown so there's the usual pressure on parents but the children who would normally be in school aren't and it's getting to parents.

"It can affect children emotionally not just for the short-term but also in the long-term. It can cause an emotional trauma, children could normalise this behaviour and think substance misuse is and OK thing to do.

"Neighbours are hearing more bottles going into the bottle bins and it's a case of it's going on in any case but people are a lot more aware now they're at home.

"It doesn't necessarily mean that a child will experience abuse but it might make it more difficult for a parent to provide safe and consistent care for their child and that could subsequently lead to abuse."

In the period before the first national lockdown (6 Jan – 22 Mar 2020), there was an average of 709 contacts a month from UK adults worried a child was being placed at risk by their parent or carer’s use of drink and/or drugs.

In total, there were 11,784 contacts – the equivalent of more than 38 a day. Many of these were so serious they had to be reported to external agencies such as the police and children’s services.

It comes as this week marks Children of Alcoholics Week to raise awareness of children affected by parental alcohol problems.

Living in a household where a parent or carer misuses substances does not necessarily mean a child will experience abuse, but it can make it more difficult for parents to provide safe and consistent care and this can lead to abuse or neglect. It can also have a serious impact on children’s emotional well-being.

Due to the pandemic, children are much more immersed in the problems they are facing at home. Schools have stayed open for vulnerable children and those of key workers but many remain at home meaning there is no escape for those living with parental substance misuse.

As contacts to the helpline continue to rise, it is vital that the Government keeps local substance misuse services available during the pandemic. It must also set out a plan to invest in services to help children and families recover from the distress and disruption of this crisis.

Some signs to look out for that show families might be struggling with parental substance misuse during the lockdown and need support include:

  • parents may be visually under the influence of alcohol or drugs over video chat or in public
  • a change in the parent’s behaviour as they may have difficulty controlling their emotions or act irrationally or unpredictably
  • a child may become withdrawn or develop behavioural, emotional or mental health problems
  • aggressive or repeated shouting at home
  • children may have taken on the responsibility of caring for their parents or siblings.
  • children looking dirty or not changing their clothes

    Kam Thandi, Head of NSPCC Helpline explained: “Parental substance misuse can have a seriously detrimental impact on the whole family. The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have created a perfect storm for families affected by this problem.

    “At the NSPCC helpline we’ve not only seen a rise in contacts and referrals but we’re also seeing families who weren’t previously known to children’s services requiring help and support for substance misuse.

    “The pressures on families at the moment are unprecedented and it is no surprise that our helpline is hearing that parents and carers are struggling with substance misuse. To keep our children safe it’s vital that those who are relying on drugs and alcohol, to the extent that the care of their children is being compromised, must seek help.

    “The Government must also invest more in local services. Our frontline practitioners have told us that many parents and carers are struggling to access specialist support services which will help them recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

    The NSPCC’s concerns are being backed by Adfam, a charity which provides support to families affected by drug, alcohol or gambling addiction.

    The NSPCC is calling on anyone who is concerned a child is at risk due to parental substance misuse to contact their helpline. Trained professionals can offer advice to make sure everyone in the family receives the support they need – both parents and children.

    If anyone is concerned about their own drug or alcohol intake and that it is affecting their family, support can be accessed by contacting the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit www.Adfam.org.uk to find your nearest online support group.

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