Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDAC) were introduced to England in 2008 following their development in the USA. Pilots launched across the country adopted a family-based strategy with the aim to improve outcomes for children that live with parents who misuse substances or alcohol. The numbers of children entering the care system has increased…

Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis that parental distress would mediate relations between parental lifetime alcohol and physical health problems and child behavior problems. Results indicated that sons of parents with alcohol and physical health problems are at elevated risk for behavior problems, partly related to…

Perfectionism is associated with many traits in the documented ACOA personality profile. Perfectionism instrument scores of 36 ACOA clients were compared with 173 nonclinical, non-ACOA university students. No statistical differences were found. ACOA group showed significantly higher scores on three subscales designed to measure maladaptive…

Family relationship quality, not parental alcohol use, predicted levels of depression and self-esteem in 201 college students. Witnessing spousal abuse related to increased depression in adult children of alcoholics, whole poorer family relationship quality was associated with lower self-esteem, suggesting the experience of paternal alcoholism is…

Reported that parental alcoholism is prognostic of childhood behavior problems, both directly, through genetic and modeling effects, and indirectly, through parental distress and physical problems. It was hypothesized that the heightened rate of behavior problems in children of alcoholics could be traced to the combination of negative interactions…

This article discusses incidental references to alcohol and drinking in selected children's books and the appropriateness of these references. Books that afford a comprehensive view of alcohol and its effects are discussed, and suggestions for teachers concerning the use of such books are offered. Two book lists are provided. (LB)

Researchers surveyed 78 clients in drug abuse treatment facilities to determine their perceptions regarding factors related to their use and abuse of drugs. About 40% of the sample began using drugs between 11 and 15 years of age. Males tended to begin using drugs at an earlier age than did females. Over 90% of participants reported using drugs…

This manual provides assistance for Head Start managers and caregivers in providing support for substance-abusing families. The manual builds on the Head Start Substance Abuse Circle of Capacities continuum, which addresses areas of: (1) staff preparation and support; (2) prevention and family wellness; (3) early intervention, referral, and…

This report explores the impact of alcohol and drug problems on the children and families served by the child welfare system and outlines a comprehensive strategy to better respond to their needs. It contains more than 100 policy and action recommendations to enhance services to children and families affected by alcohol and other drugs (AOD), to…

Discusses research into parental alcoholism as the cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Reports that a study examined the family history of children in 18 schools in the Soviet Union. Concludes that intellectual deficiencies can be traced to various genetic and environmental factors. Calls for early intervention to prevent intellectual…