Parental Substance Misuse

Parents use of cannabis

While cannabis may be perceived by some as low-risk, its use in caregiving environments can compromise parental capacity and increase vulnerabilities for children. Cannabis use is not harmless.

All children have the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment which positively helps them to reach their potential. Parental cannabis use can affect parenting capacity and child welfare. There is also no ‘safe’ or ‘acceptable’ amount of use. Early conversations and intervention can reduce harm and support positive change in families. Professionals must assess the context, frequency, and impact on the child. The resources below support practitioners in identifying, assessing, and responding to cannabis-related concerns in a child-centred, multi-agency way.

Clear Minds Safer Homes is a campaign designed by Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership, to raise awareness among professionals working with children & families about the potential risks posed by parental cannabis use.

Kent’s resources include guidance, factsheets, posters, leaflets and a conversation tool for practitioners. A leaflet is available for parents. It is free to download and use.

Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable People Partnership's multi-agency guidance for professionals, exploring cannabis use & its impact on parenting capacity, is for use by any practitioners working with children, young people & their families & for those working with adults who are parents or have caring responsibilities for children.

Wiltshire’s guidance for practitioners includes a quick use screening tool for cannabis use (CUDIT-R) and prompts for greater depth conversations with parents/carers.

If there is a concern about a person's drinking or drug use, BDAS - Bromley Drug and Alcohol Service - provides lots of advice and information. Click on the link below.