Barnardos Submission on the Development of the National Substance Misuse Strategy 2009 - 2016

Abstract

Barnardos welcomes the opportunity to input into the development of the National Substance Misuse Strategy 2009 -2016. This strategy represents a significant opportunity to tackle the combined issues of drug and alcohol misuse and Barnardos is particularly concerned that concrete early intervention and prevention measures make up a significant part of the strategy. We believe that this is vital to ensuring the protection and support of children who are affected by parental substance misuse and children at risk of harm as a result of their own substance misuse. Barnardos strongly welcomes the development of this combined strategy and believes that while the issues are complex, addressing alcohol and drug misuse in tandem is essential both in prevention and treatment of problem substance use.