Bibliography

Substance abuse and child abuse

Australia. Parliament. House of Representatives. Standing Committee on Family and Community Services.
The winnable war on drugs: the impact of illicit drug use on families.
Canberra, ACT: Parliament of Australia, 2007, 377p, and Online
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fhs/illicitdrugs/report.htm

This report presents findings and recommendations of the Australian Government's Inquiry into the Impact of Illicit Drug use on Families. The inquiry focused on the financial, social and personal costs to families who have a member using illicit drugs, the impact of harm minimisation programs and policies, and ways to strengthen these families. Other topics include illicit drug use in Australia, impact of parental drug use on children, school and public education, family inclusive treatment programs, drug induced psychoses and mental illness, immediate and indirect costs of drug use, and grandparent care. The inquiry supports a zero tolerance approach to illicit drug use, finding that harm minimisation policies actually cause more damage. A dissenting report is included, however.

Available from: Parliament of Australia http://www.aph.gov.au/

Baker, Joanne; Miles, Debra; Thorpe, Ros.
Parents with complicated lives: Do child protection services help or hinder?
In: Working Together for Families: CROCCS 4th International Conference, Mackay, Queensland, 4-6 August 2006: papers. Mackay, Qld: Centre for Research on Community and Children's Services, 2006, 8p, Online (PDF 40K)
http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/56368/20070824-0001/www.croccs.org.au/downloads/2006_conf_papers/BakerMilesThorpe-Parents%20with%20complicated%20lives.%20Do%20child%20protection%20services%20help%20or%20hinder.pdf

A research project to gather the views of parents who have been involved with child protection services about those services is outlined. The paper discusses the need for a study focusing on the experiences of service users whose lives are characterised by compound difficulties, and refers to findings in the literature about the intersection of child protection with multiple difficulties relating to violence, disability and problematic substance use. There is a clear lack of information about how parents with complicated lives and their children experience the interventions of child protection authorities. The research project will explore how people with complicated lives interpret the interventions and what they consider to be most helpful and appropriate to their circumstances.

Available from: Mackay Centre for Research on Community and Children's Services http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/56368/20070824-0001/www.croccs.org.au/index.html/

Bergen, Helen A; Martin, Graham; Richardson, Angela S; Allison, Stephen; Roeger, Leigh.
Sexual abuse, antisocial behaviour and substance use: gender differences in young community adolescents.
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry v.38 no.1 - no.2 Jan - Feb 2004: 34-41, tables

The objective of this article is to investigate gender specific relationships between self reported sexual abuse, antisocial behaviour and substance use in a large community sample of adolescents. A cross sectional study of students between 13 and 14 years of age from 27 schools in South Australia was undertaken, with a questionnaire including sexual abuse, frequency and severity of substance use, depressive symptomatology and antisocial behaviour. In the model considered, reported sexual abuse was found to be significantly independently associated with antisocial behaviour with increased risks of three to eight fold for sexually abused boys, and two to threefold for sexually abused girls, compared to nonabused. Increased risks of extreme substance use in sexually abused girls and boys were more than fourfold, compared to nonabused. The authors conclude that childhood sexual abuse is a risk factor for the development of antisocial behaviour and substance use in young adolescents and that clinicians should be aware of gender differences. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. Subscription: Blackwell Science Asia, PO Box 378, Carlton South Vic 3053. Email info@blacksci-asia.com.au. Internet http://www.blackwell-science.com/anp

Berry, Kay; Moore, Kerry.
Drugs and the aftermath, children who live with substance use: early intervention in utero to permanency planning.
In: Knowledge into action! Effective practice for child and family services: proceedings of the 2004 Conference of the Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies. Haymarket, NSW: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies, 2004,86p, Online (PDF 1724K)
http://www.acwa.asn.au/Conf2004/acwa2004papers/26_kerry_kay.pdf

Substance abuse is one of the main reasons for the increasing number of children entering the child protection system in Australia. This paper presents a background to the issue of children living with substance abuse and discusses several case studies. It looks at challenges for child welfare workers, considers the experience of substance dependent parents, the unborn child and the infant of parental drug abuse, implications for developing attachment, and the short and long term effects on children of maternal substance dependence. It discusses building resilience through early intervention and the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting service model.

Available from: Association of Childrens Welfare Agencies, Locked Bag 13, Haymarket NSW 1240. Email acwa@acwa.asn.au. Internet http://www.acwa.asn.au/

Bessant, Judith.
Habit and habitat: housing, government policy, drugs and pregnant women.
Australian Journal of Primary Health v.10 no.2 2004: 9-20

Do government policies and programs affecting young, homeless, pregnant, drug users complement and support each other or do they work against each other? A series of vignettes are presented to answer this question, which reveal how housing and related services used by pregnant women frequently overlook their multiple needs. When a pregnant woman decides to manage her drug use better, she usually faces a number of barriers. Poly drug users were interviewed to explore how different kinds of accommodation options impact on interviewees' capacity to participate in various socio economic and cultural activities. The paper considers issues of stigma and shame, along with the way in which drug use, pregnancy and housing shortages lead to child protection interventions and often loss of custody. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Australian Institute for Primary Care, La Trobe University in association with the Primary and Community Health Network. Internet http://www.latrobe.edu.au/aipc/ajph

Briggs, Freda; Hawkins, Russell.
Personal safety issues in the lives of children with learning disabilities.
Children Australia v.30 no.2 2005: 19-27, tables

The aim of this study was to focus on the vulnerability of children with learning disabilities to drugs, sexual abuse and violence. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 116 students, aged 11-17 years. The study confirmed the vulnerability of children with learning disabilities to the risks of drugs, violence, psychological bullying, pornography and sexual abuse. Significant levels of violence in both schools and the home were found. The study also showed the need for special attention for the protection of boys. The authors argued that it was possible that children with learning disabilities were targeted because they were seen as safer targets in terms of an expectation that they would be less aware of the difference between right and wrong and less likely than other children to make a report about any abusive behaviour. If this speculative hypothesis is correct, it means that children with learning disabilities require even more vigilant forms of protection than other children. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia, PO Box 7020, Dandenong Vic 3175. Email ChildrenAustralia@latrobe.edu.au.

Combined Aboriginal Organisations of the Northern Territory.
A proposed emergency response and development plan to protect Aboriginal children in the Northern Territory: a preliminary response to the Australian Government's proposals.
Melbourne, Vic: Australian Policy Online, Institute for Social Research, Swinburne University of Technology, 2007, 30p, Online (PDF 121KB)
http://www.apo.org.au/crosspost_linkboard/items/2007/07/166154-upload-00001.pdf

A comprehensive approach to child protection in an emergency context is proposed in this response to Australian Government's plans to improve the safety and well being of Aboriginal children in remote communities. The response proposes that priority be given to protection of children from immediate physical or emotional harm. The plan should also address community safety and access to essential services including housing, health care and education. Failure to address these underlying issues will ensure the persistence of the risk factors currently contributing to child abuse and neglect. A two stage approach is put forward: an initial emergency response over three to six months, on which agreement can be reached quickly between governments and community leaders, followed by a more comprehensive plan with bipartisan political support that includes costed financial commitment to address the underlying issues within specific timeframes.

Available from: Australian Policy Online http://www.apo.org.au/

Coohey, Carol; O' Leary, Patrick.
Mothers' protection of their children after discovering they have been sexually abused: an information-processing perspective.
Child Abuse & Neglect v.32 no.2 2008: 245-259

A sample of 85 mothers who were involved with child protection services in Iowa included 48 mothers who consistently protected their children and 37 who did not. The aim of the study was to understand why some mothers do not protect their children consistently after they find out that the child has been sexually abused. The results showed that some maternal characteristics, such as mothers' mental health and substance abuse, were not related to protecting their children consistently but other variables, such as domestic violence, were. Mothers who do not perceive sexual abuse will not believe that abuse occurred or attribute responsibility to the abuser. Helping mothers to understand the nature of sexual abuse may change their beliefs and attributions.

Available from: International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect http://www.ispcan.org

Cousins, Carolyn.
But the parent is trying ...: the dilemmas workers face when children are at risk from parental substance use.
Child Abuse Prevention Newsletter v.13 no.1 Summer 2005: 3-6, and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/pubs/newsletters/nl2005/summer.html

The difficulties experienced by drug and alcohol workers whose clients are also parents are highlighted in this article. The article outlines the extent of the problem and some of the factors associated with these particular parents that may prevent workers from successfully identifying children at risk. It discusses the difficulties for workers in developing sufficient awareness of the needs of children, and in judging whether or not adequate parenting is being given. It concludes with a discussion of the emotional responses from workers that may interfere with effective service delivery to parents.

Available from: National Child Protection Clearinghouse, Australian Institute of Family Studies, Level 20, 485 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000. http://www.aifs.gov.au/nch/

Davis, Megan.
Constitutional niceties or the care and protection of young children? Aboriginal children and the silencing of debate.
Australian Children's Rights News no.44 Oct 2007: 1, 3-4

The legislation implementing the Federal government's Northern Territory intervention in response to Anderson and Wild's 'Little children are sacred' report includes a range of measures, including: alcohol restrictions; prohibition on the use of customary law in bail and sentencing; changes to welfare including abolition of the Community Development Employment Program (CDEP); changes to the permit system and compulsory acquisition of five year leases over prescribed Aboriginal townships. Critics of those measures with no apparent link to the welfare of children have been attacked for willing the prolonged suffering of innocent children, and objections to the discriminatory nature of aspects of the legislation have been dismissed as 'constitutional niceties'. This article points out that Indigenous people have been asking for help with serious problems of alcoholism and sexual abuse in Aboriginal communities for over three decades. An intervention that silences its critics and fails to engage Aboriginal communities in consultation is unlikely to gain the support of those communities, and is therefore unlikely to bring about the social change required to prevent child sexual abuse.

Available from: Defence for Children International (DCI) Australia http://www.dci-au.org/

Dodd, Jenny; Saggers, Sherry.
Current policies and practices addressing the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on children and families.
West Perth, WA: Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, 2006, 49p, figure (Evidence into action topical paper), Online (PDF 862K)
http://www.aracy.org.au/AM/Common/pdf/Topical%20Papers/Misuse.pdf

The policy initiatives needed to address the effects of substance abuse on Australian families are discussed. The paper provides a general overview of current policies, together with evaluations of policy responses in the international and Australian contexts. The efficacy of diversion programs and drug courts is discussed in terms of what contributes to better practice. A range of other interventions, including those focused on the family, the school and those with dual diagnosis, is described. Gaps in knowledge in substance misuse policy and services, and key areas for attention and further exploration are identified.

Available from: Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth http://www.aracy.org.au/

Frederick, John; Goddard, Chris.
Pathways to and from state care: the experiences of eight young people.
Children Australia v.31 no.3 2006: 34-41

Children enter state care because their parents are unable to care for them or because of abuse and neglect. Invariably, they experience considerable distress and emotional trauma with many having clinically significant mental health problems. Few, however, receive the assessment, counselling and supportive services that they need. When they leave care, many experience extensive problems including mental health difficulties, unemployment, poverty, homelessness, drug abuse, relationship difficulties and lack of social support. This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative study utilising in depth interviews with young people who have been in state care. Illustrations of their pathways to and from care highlight their experiences, and direct quotations from the participants provide particular insights into the complex issues they have had to confront. The paper outlines key opportunities for prevention and intervention approaches at various points along these pathways. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia http://www.ozchild.org.au

Hallgrimsdottir, Erla; Healy, Karen; Foulds, Henrietta.
Child protection practice with families affected by parental substance use.
Children Australia v.29 no.3 2004: 11-15

This paper reports on a study of child protection practice in a non-government child protection organisation in inner Sydney. The purpose of the study was to explore workers' perceptions of critical issues in child protection and family support work in families affected by parental substance use. The findings raise issues about prevalence of substance use issues in child protection work, the risks posed to workers in this domain of practice, and the importance of improved co-operation amongst agencies involved with these families affected by parental substance use. Future research directions for improving child protection and family support practice with families affected by parental substance use are considered. (Journal abstract)

Available from: Oz Child: Children Australia, PO Box 7020, Dandenong Vic 3175. Email ChildrenAustralia@latrobe.edu.au.

Hegarty, Michelle.
Supporting children affected by parental dual diagnosis: mental illness and substance abuse: a collaborative mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention initiative.
Auseinetter no.25 Dec 2005: 21-26, and Online (whole issue PDF 2.2MB)
http://www.auseinet.com/resources/auseinet/netter25/auseinetter_25.pdf

The National Illicit Drug Strategy Dual Diagnosis project aims to improve identification of and support for parents affected by mental illness and substance abuse, and reduce risks to children and young people who are affected by parental dual diagnosis. This article discusses: access to services for people with a dual diagnosis; the complex needs of families affected by dual diagnosis; the impact of dual diagnosis symptoms on parenting and on children; child protection; and resilience, risk and protective factors. It identifies needs for families experiencing dual diagnosis, integrated service delivery, information for children, parents and carers, training for service providers, and practice guidelines and assessment tools.

Available from: Auseinet, CAMHS, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park SA 5042. Email auseinet@flinders.edu.au. Internet http://auseinet.flinders.edu.au

Humphreys, Cathy.
Women's mental health, family violence and the interface with children's services.
In: Towards Better Practice Conference: Enhancing Collaboration Between Women's Domestic Violence Services and Mental Health Services. Sydney, NSW: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, 2007, 21p, Online (Powerpoint presentation in PDF format 236KB)
http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/Conference%20papers/TowardsBetterPractice/Humphreys_TBP%20conference.pdf

A recent survey in Victoria found that 73% of substantiated child protection cases involved adult problems such as domestic violence, substance abuse or mental illness. Yet child protection services and adult services do not consider their clients' other roles as members of a family and the impact this has. This presentation highlights the need for more coordination between services and recognition of the connection between mothers and children's emotional wellbeing. The presentation outlines the rigid specialisation of services, the effect on children of witnessing family violence, the connection between mothers and children's emotional wellbeing, the role of the perpetrator, sleep deprivation as a tactic of abuse, child protection notifications and domestic violence, and service needs.

Available from: Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse, School of Social Work, University of New South Wales http://www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/

Johnson, Holly.
Factors associated with drug and alcohol dependency among women in prison.
Canberra, ACT: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2006, 6p, figures, tables (Trends and issues in crime and criminal justice no.318) and Online
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi318.html

The Drug Use of Offenders female study examined the connections between women's drug use histories, criminal histories and early life experiences. This paper presents some results of the study and discusses links between family related drug and alcohol problems and child abuse for female offenders, other factors associated with family drug and alcohol problems, factors associated with drug dependency, and factors associated with alcohol dependency.

Available from: Australian Institute of Criminology http://www.aic.gov.au

Leek, Lindsay; Seneque, Diane; Ward, Kaija.
Parental drug and alcohol use as a contributing factor in care and protection applications 2003.
Perth, WA: Department for Community Development, 2004, 48p plus 10p appendix, tables, figures, Online (PDF 451K)
http://www.community.wa.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/CD8D14B9-87F5-417D-80B6-4C7D774C1B6D/0/DCDRPTParentalDrugandAlcoholUse2003.pdf

Western Australia's Department for Community Development lodged 326 care and protection applications in the calendar year 2003. A representative sample of 175 of these applications forms the basis of the research reported in this document. The objectives of the study were to identify the proportion of cases in 2003 where parental drug and alcohol use was a contributing factor to a care and protection application; identify the types of drugs most commonly used by respondent parents; explore the inter-relationships between drug and alcohol use and other contributing factors, together with the type of child abuse; explore the characteristics of the families who were involved in the care and protection applications in 2003; explore the history of the families who were involved in the care and protection applications in 2003; and determine the extent of other key agency involvement with the families who were involved in the care and protection applications in 2003. The report includes case studies; a comparison with similar research conducted in 2001; and the data collection sheet used for the analysis.

Available from: Department for Community Development, PO Box 6334, East Perth WA 6892. Internet http://community.wa.gov.au/

Magor-Blatch, Lynne.
Families and substance use: building a resource for recovery.
Communities, Children and Families Australia v.3 no.1 Dec 2007: 34-44

The parenting of people with a drug or alcohol addiction may be characterised by inconsistency, irritability, lack of energy and impaired judgment. The result of this, together with the social context in which parents find themselves and the absence of family or friendship support systems, may set up a dynamic between parent and child that can increase the risk of maltreatment. The increasing number of children affected by parental substance use is a social issue requiring action on a number of levels. This paper describes a program that works with families where substance abuse is in evidence. The Karralika Family Program, set up by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation Australian Capital Territory (ADFACT), works particularly with single mothers and children, but also with single fathers and couples with and without children. Extended families and friends are also supported in the community as part of a process of building resilience. The paper highlights the importance of a range of interventions utilised in the family program. (Journal abstract, edited)

Available from: Australian College for Child and Family Protection Practitioners Inc PO Box 1401, Mackay Qld 4740

Mazerolle, Paul; Legosz, Margot.
Breaking the cycle: a study of victimisation and violence in the lives of non-custodial offenders.
Brisbane, Qld: Crime and Misconduct Commission, 2007, 111p, Online (PDF 3.9MB)
http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/data/portal/00000005/content/ 20003001186461304939.PDF

Little is known about offenders serving non custodial sentences. The Offending Persons Across the Lifecourse project shows, for the first time in Australia, the criminogenic risks of noncustodial offenders. It collected sensitive personal information through interviews with 480 female and male offenders serving intensive correction or probation orders under Queensland Corrective Services. The interviews gathered information about victimisation experiences, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, criminal activity, satisfaction with intimate relationships and involvement in correctional treatment programs. The study aimed to: assess the prevalence of various forms of child maltreatment, including physical and sexual abuse and neglect; measure the prevalence of sexual and violent victimisation during adolescence and adulthood; examine the relationship between negative early life experiences and experiences and outcomes later in life; examine the treatment needs of respondents; and examine whether victimisation experiences and their consequences differ between male and female and Indigenous and non Indigenous offenders.

Available from: Crime and Misconduct Commission http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/

Smith, Jennifer.
What is the impact of intimate partner abuse on children?
In: Roberts, G., Hegarty, K. and Feder, G., eds. Intimate partner abuse and health professionals: new approaches to domestic violence. Edinburgh, Scotland: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2006, p127-143

Children who witness or live with intimate partner violence can experience several negative physical and mental health effects. This chapter looks at children's experiences of intimate partner violence, the prevalence of children's involvement in intimate partner violence, and the impact of intimate partner violence on children, including behavioural and emotional problems, mental health, psychobiological and neurodevelopmental problems, physical health and development problems, and social competence. It discusses longer term effects of intimate partner violence and factors that influence children's coping and adjustment, including cumulative stresses, such as child abuse and parental alcohol abuse, parenting factors, developmental issues, child characteristics, such as gender, age and temperament, ethnicity, dimensions of intimate partner abuse and children's adjustment, and children's perception of intimate partner abuse. The chapter considers options for identification, assessment and therapeutic intervention.

Sullivan, Robin.
A safe environment for children and families.
In: Re-imagining Australian society: visions and solutions: ACOSS 2005 Congress papers. Strawberry Hills, NSW: Australian Council of Social Service, 2006, p91-102 (ACOSS paper no.142)

Many of Australia's children and young people are doing better than ever before, yet numerous problems are affecting them. This paper discusses concerns about child health, child abuse, behaviour problems, substance abuse, juvenile crime, the emotional and mental health of children and young people, and the disadvantage experienced by Indigenous children. It considers what children need to be confident, safe and valued, looking at child protection practice and leadership.

Available from: Australian Council of Social Service http://www.acoss.org.au/

Tilbury, Clare; Osmond, Jennifer; Wilson, Sandy; Clark, Julie.
Good practice in child protection.
Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education Australia, 2007, 170p

This text book, for tertiary students and new practitioners, aims to guide child protection professionals towards good practice. The authors examine critical thinking and professional values and skills within different areas of practice, including risk assessment, case planning, out of home care, and family support. The book also includes background knowledge on theories of child abuse and neglect, the effects of child abuse, desired outcomes, child protection in Australia, and working with parents who may have mental health or substance abuse issues.

Tobin, Mary Catherine.
Lost opportunity or lifeline? Women with substance use issues and their perceptions of the barriers to pregnancy care: a report on research conducted for the Women's Alcohol and Drug Service.
Carlton, Vic: Women's Alcohol and Drug Service, Royal Women's Hospital, 2005, 102p, tables

The service needs and service utilisation of substance using pregnant women are examined in this study. The study was conducted in Melbourne and looks at: women, substance use and the medical system; pregnancy care and service utilisation; individual tensions in accessing care; substance using women and their partners; substance using women and the drug culture; child protection; homelessness; dual diagnosis; what motivates women to attend pregnancy care; fear of attending pregnancy care; health as a barrier; drug and alcohol use as a barrier; ambivalence about the pregnancy; housing as a barrier; transport as a barrier; child care as a barrier; family support; legal issues; financial issues; cultural issues; organisational factors; previous experiences of the hospital; motivating factors; and comparisons between Women's Alcohol and Drug Service and Maternity Care Program clinics.

Available from: Women's Alcohol and Drug Service, Royal Women's Hospital http://www.rwh.org.au/wads/

Van Loon, Antonia.
Promoting capacity with homeless women survivors of child sexual abuse misusing alcohol, drugs or gambling: final report.
Glenside, SA: Royal District Nursing Service of SA, 2005, 115p, figures, Online (PDF 674K)
http://www.rdns.org.au/research_unit/research_publications/CSA%20Final%20Report_Nov05.pdf

Over 93 per cent of homeless women at Catherine House in Adelaide reported childhood sexual abuse, with some attributing their use of drugs, alcohol and gambling to efforts to overcome the trauma of sexual abuse. The aim of this study was to promote the capacity of these women to generate personal resources that would enable them to manage the transition to independent living, and to achieve a healthier, life affirming future. The study employed a participatory action research approach. One of the outcomes was the writing of a book, 'Reclaiming myself after sexual abuse', to explain the group process and help other sexual abuse survivors.

Available from: Royal District Nursing Service of SA Inc. http://www.rdns.org.au/

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