Choice’s Project

Working with young people aged 10-19

• There are just over 6000 people engaging in drug and alcohol treatment services in Birmingham with Children under 18 years old

• Identifying Young People who have parents with drug or alcohol issues can be difficult:

• Keeping it a secret/ not being open about it• Fear of repercussions on family unit• Don’t realise there is a problem

Parental Substance Misuse

Parental Substance Misuse can have a variety of affects on young people and each young person will cope in a very different way.

• Short-Term Effects: loneliness/ feeling helpless/ worried/ withdrawn/ confrontational/ aggression/ lack of concentration

• Long-Term Effects: Develop own drug or alcohol issues/ relationship issues i.e. difficulty forming relationships/ Depression/ Anxiety Problems/ Carer Responsibilities (shortened childhood)

» Research by Bancroft et al (2004) “Parental Drug & Alcohol Misuse”

Impact on Children

• Offer up to 12- 1:1 sessions (including assessment, risk assessment, care planning)

• Can do group work sessions if appropriate

• Sessions are tailored to the needs of the Young Person

Interventions

• Focus on areas including:

• Drug & Alcohol Awareness • Support Networks• Coping Strategies • Relaxation Techniques• Goal Setting• Motivational Interviewing• Reduce feelings of guilt• Explain addictions and cycle of change• Safety Plans

Areas of Work

How to refer

• Send a completed referral form either via:

• Fax- 0121 622 1417• Email- youngpeople@aquarius.org.uk • Post- Aquarius, 3 Bath Court, Bath Row, Birmingham, B15 1NE

• For any queries please contact 0121 622 7780