Alcohol-dependent Parents Support for Children 2024-01-23
2024-01-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to support children affected by parental alcohol dependency, an issue that impacts their wellbeing and development.
What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support the children of alcohol-dependent parents?
We are investing £27 million in specialist alcohol care teams and have published UK-wide clinical guidelines on harmful drinking. We provide around £300 million in funding through family hubs and Start for Life programme, encouraging wrap-around support for families including alcohol support services.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to address the needs of children of alcohol-dependent parents were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The absence of a national strategy to address the needs of children whose parents are dependent on alcohol has been highlighted, with previous initiatives in place between 2017 and 2021.
To the Government's credit, they are currently putting money into addiction services. However, at the same time, there is no national strategy for children of alcohol-dependent parents. That has not always been the case. Between 2017 and 2021, there were local and national helpline services funded through a national strategy. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss this matter, as the children in these awful situations are some of the most vulnerable in society?
Through the drugs strategy, we have committed an extra £532 million over three years for alcohol and drug treatment services. We also invested £15.7 million in Lancashire. I will be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this matter further.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific national strategy addressing children of alcohol-dependent parents was not committed to.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and its impact on a child's life is highlighted, with a call to use social media and schools to spread awareness.
I have turned over a new leaf, Mr Speaker. May I urge the Secretary of State to take this issue very seriously, to direct much more social media at young people and to get into schools the message about the real damage that can be done to the entire life of a child if the mother is drinking alcohol during pregnancy?
The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my right hon. Friend the Member for South Northamptonshire (Dame Andrea Leadsom), is investing in family hubs to be the centre for families to make a child's life start well.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about social media and schools was not addressed, instead focusing on family hubs.
Response accuracy