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Abstract
Background: Globally, the problem of hidden harms to children of parents who use drugs and alcohol has been recognized. However, it is at a community level that resources must be allocated. Objective: The aim of this research was to provide a methodological framework for estimating the prevalence of children with potential hidden harms, in a community setting. Methodology: Benchmark–multiplier methods were used. Alcohol dependency was measured using the Rapid Alcohol Problem Screen tool. A retrospective audit of records combined with a multisource enumeration to remove duplicates was used to derive a minimum benchmark and a multiplier for the number of children to known adults. Further benchmarks were derived from the localized data of a general population survey. Community services were consulted for estimate validation, needs, and recommendations. The setting was an Irish urban disadvantaged region in 2016. Results: From the audit and multisource enumeration, a ratio of 0.88 children to every one client known to local treatment services was estimated. This provided a minimum estimate of 3.7% of children at risk of being impacted by illicit drug use where parents were known to services. From the general population survey and the local multiplier, an estimate of 15–24% of children potentially impacted by illicit drug use was derived. Finally, from the alcohol dependency data, an estimate of 14–37% of children possibly impacted by parental alcohol dependency was derived. Conclusions: Estimates were accepted as realistic by service providers who highlighted the need to improve interagency and interdisciplinary communication between drug and family services.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.