Parent Risk Assessment


The following checklist outlines seven key domains which can be used as part of risk assessment with parental drug use. These domains were developed by the Standing Conference on Drug Abuse (SCODA) and the Local Government Drugs Forum (LGDF) for use by non-specialist professionals in England, Scotland and Wales. Additions and changes are identified by use of italics. Subsequent reassessments should provide both worker and parent(s) an opportunity to acknowledge progress. This tool should be used in conjunction with the ten drug management steps outlined in Working with a Parent or Care-giver with an Alcohol or Other Drug Use Problem. This checklist should be completed with the parent(s) where possible. Collateral information (eg from neighbour or relative) may also be sought to validate or otherwise this information. (Note Confidentiality)
Contents Parent/Care-Giver Drug Issues Checklist The pattern of parental drug use Accommodation and home environment Provision of basic necessities Procurement of drugs Health risks Family's social network and support systems The parents' perception of the situation Other Child Safety Issues Other Positive Parenting Issues Overall summary of findings Negotiated recommendations and goals
Parent/Care-Giver Drug Issues Checklist
The pattern of parental drug use
Is there a drug-free parent, supportive partner or relative?	.
Is the drug use by the parent Experimental? Recreational? Chaotic? Dependent?	.
Does the user move between categories at different times? Does the drug use also involve alcohol or a combination of drugs?	.
Are the levels of care different from when the parent is/was a non-user?	.
Is there any evidence of coexistence of mental health problems alongside the drug use? If there is, do the drugs cause these problems, or have these problems led to the drug use?	.
Comments: .
Accommodation and home environment
Is accommodation adequate for children?	.
Are parents ensuring that rent and bills are paid?	.
Does the family remain in one area or move frequently. If the latter, why?	.
Are other drug users sharing the accommodation? If they are, are relationships with them harmonious, or is there conflict?	.
Is the family living in a drug using community?	.
If parents are using drugs, do children witness the taking of the drugs, or other substances?	.
Could other aspects of the drug use constitute a risk to children (eg. conflict with or between dealers, exposure to criminal activities related to drug use)?	.
Comments: .
Provision of basic necessities
Is there adequate food, clothing and warmth for the children?	.
Are the children attending school regularly?	.
Are children engaged in age-appropriate activities?	.
Are the children's emotional needs being adequately met?	.
Are there any indications that any of the children are taking on a parenting role within the family (eg. caring for other children, excessive household responsibilities, etc.)?	.
Comments: .
Procurement of drugs
Are the children being left alone while their parents are procuring drugs?	.
Because of their parent's drug use, are the children being taken to places where they could be "at risk"?	.
How much are the drugs costing?	.
How is the money obtained?	.
Is this causing financial problems?	.
Are the premises being used to sell drugs?	.
Are the parents allowing their premises to be used by other drug users?	.
Comments: .
Health risks
If drugs and/or injecting equipment are kept on the premises, are they kept securely?	.
Are the children aware of where the drugs are kept?	.
If the parents are intravenous drug users: * Do they share injecting equipment? * Do they use a needle exchange scheme? * How do they dispose of syringes? * Are parents aware of the health risks of injecting or using drugs?	.
If parents are on a substitute prescribing program, such as methadone: * Are parents aware of the dangers of children accessing this medication? * Do they take adequate precautions to ensure this does not happen?	.
Are parents aware of, and in touch with, local specialist agencies who can advise on issues such as needle exchanges, substitute prescribing programs, detox and rehabilitation facilities? If they are in touch with agencies, how regular is the contact?	.
Comments: .
Family's social network and support systems
Do parents and children associate primarily with: * Other drug users? * Non-users * Both?	.
Are relatives aware of the drug use? Are they supportive?	.
Will the parents accept help from the relatives?	.
Will the parents accept help from statutory/non-statutory agencies?	.
The degree of social isolation should be considered particularly for those parents living in remote areas where resources may not be available and they may experience social stigmatisation.
Comments: .
The parents' perception of the situation:
Do the parents see their drug use as harmful to themselves or to their children?	.
Do the parents place their own needs before the needs of their children?	.
Are the parents aware of the legislative and procedural context applying to their circumstances, (eg. child protection procedures,, statutory powers)?	.
Comments: .