(From left) Morag McArthur, Debbie Noble-Carr, Tim Moore, Adjunct Professor Robert Fitzgerald and Anglicare representative Jennelle Irwin at the report launch.

Study looks at the effects of drug and alcohol use in families

To mark National Child Protection Week, the Institute of Child Protection Studies (ICPS) at the University's Canberra Campus has released a report about young people in alcohol and drug-affected families.

The report, entitled Who cares? Experiences of young people living with a family member who has an alcohol or other drug issue, was carried out in 2008 and funded by the ACT Government through its Carers Recognition Grants.

The report looks at the specific needs of children who have a parent with an alcohol or drug issue and how they compare to other children with care responsibilities.

The study engaged 15 young people between 11 and 17 years of age who have cared for a parent or sibling with an alcohol or drug issue.

Tim Moore, researcher from the ICPS, said the results indicated that this group of young people faced significant complexity in their lives.

"Just because you are a user of alcohol or other drugs, does not necessarily mean that you are not able to care for your children. However for the young people we interviewed, the substance use did lead to a range of negative experiences," he said. "It is imperative that services working with young people and families recognise this and provide adequate support."

The findings of the Who Cares? report will make recommendations to community service including the need for youth and alcohol and drug services to be more accessible and family-centred.

The Who Cares? report is available to be viewed online at http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/198062/Who_Carers_Report_Sept_2009.pdf