« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Annex 3
Consultation on "Hidden Harm - Next Steps": Summary of Responses
As part of the process of developing this work, consultations were held with those that work with children and young people, families affected by drug problems and young people themselves. A summary of these consultations is set out below.
Consultations with those working with children and young people: key points
Poor communication between agencies, and the lack of awareness of the roles of other services were discussed. The difficulties of confidentiality and data protection were emphasised. Better use of resourcing and multi-disciplinary training should be more widely promoted. Agencies needed to be reminded of the advice contained in "Getting our Priorities Right".
The role of key professionals such as health visitors and school nurses should be further developed, whilst awareness amongst teachers and other school staff needed to be improved. Extended family members, especially grandparents, often provide a stable family setting for children. This was thought to be important.
A number of barriers to hearing children's voices and communicating effectively with them were highlighted. There can be a conflict between the need to observe confidentiality and data protection protocols. A national training strategy would promote better the understanding by practitioners of what children were saying.
There are few services which work exclusively with children and young people affected by familial substance misuse. While there are many effective services in the statutory and voluntary sectors with which this group may engage, few address the specific needs common to this group.
The full text of this summary is available on www.knowthescore.info
Consultation with families affected by drug use: key points
Consultation with families affected by drug use was facilitated by the Scottish Network of Families Affected by Drugs ( SNFAD) at their annual conference in 2005. Thirty-eight family members responded.
It can be difficult to identify children in need of support and to get them into services. Teachers or a friend were reported to be the most frequent sources of helping children and young people get in touch with services which could provide them with support. Counsellors in schools and an "open-door" approach by services were thought to be important.
The kind of support which was thought to be most sought by children and young people was a "safe" adult to talk to, and the feeling of being valued. Activities which allowed children to do things which are enjoyed by most children, without any responsibilities, were also seen as important. Families reported that young people wanted time out for themselves with people they could trust. A safe place where they could enjoy the company of other young people with whom they could empathise and enjoy activities together was considered to be essential. Most family members made the point that it was important for these children and young people to be encouraged and supported to talk about their situation and not to keep their feelings and thoughts to themselves. They should feel it is "OK" to talk.
Young people consultation: key points
Thirty-five children and young people who attend young carer groups were invited to participate in this consultation by workers with whom they were familiar. The young people who responded reported that they had "found" the carer's group because of someone from their own family. Friends and social workers had also supported some young people but very few had accessed the service because of help from their teachers or because of local publicity. The children and young people were asked what they liked about the group. The staff and the outings were the main reasons for attending while other activities, a safe place and someone to talk to rated highly. Time away from home was also important.
While the initial engagement with a service is important, sustaining that engagement is also important to making a difference for children and young people. Staff and the company of other young people in a like situation are rated highly. Being listened to, having something in their life to look forward to and the opportunity to do different things and to meet others, are important.
One young person summed up the feelings of a number of the young respondents by commenting that the carers group provided a break away from home with people that you can trust and where you can talk and be listened to among friends.
« Previous | Contents | Next »