Family drug and alcohol abuse key concern for child services

ALCOHOL and drug abuse in the family was the primary reason why children were being monitored by social workers under child protection guidelines, according to the most recent Government report on childcare services.

The latest Review of the Adequacy of Child Care and Family Support Services revealed that the top area of concern for welfare services in 661 families was because of drugs or alcohol abuse.

This was closely by parent separation, absence or disharmony in home, as a result of which 527 families were being monitored.