Living with an elephant: Growing up with parental substance misuse |
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Authors: | Brynna Kroll |
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Institution: | Lecturer in Social Work, Department of Social Work, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK |
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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. |
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Keywords: | attachment child carers child maltreatment parental substance misuse |
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