Stress is a common experience for kinship carers, who often face unique challenges in caring for children who have been through difficult experiences. Here is how to recognise the signs of stress and some practical tips for managing it effectively.
Drugs and alcohol
Substance misuse is a common cause of children being raised in kinship care. It can have a devastating effect on families. Here’s where to go to for support.
This advice applies to: England and Wales
When a child or children are removed from their home by children’s services because their parents have drug or alcohol issues, it’s traumatic for the child and the family.
On this page you’ll find organisations that you can signpost to anyone you know who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or where families of those affected by drug and alcohol misuse can find support.
Organisations that support people with drug and alcohol misuse and those affected
Adfam is a charity for people who are affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use. They provide different support options, such as 1:1 sessions, counselling, peer support groups and mental wellbeing workshops.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of people who come together with the aim of staying sober and to help other alcoholics seeking help to stop drinking.
Al-Anon is the sister group of Alcoholics Anonymous and is for friends and families of alcoholics. They offer in-person meetings across the UK, online meetings, and a helpline.
DAN 24/7 is a free bilingual drug and alcohol helpline in Wales for people who are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, their families and carers.
Drinkaware is a charity that helps educate people about alcohol and helps change people’s relationship to alcohol. As well as offering help to reduce drinking, they have advice for people who are worried about someone else’s drinking.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline for people in the UK. They are open weekdays from 9am to 8pm and weekends from 11am to 4pm. Call the helpline on 0300 123 1110.
Families Anonymous is a world-wide fellowship of family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of drugs, or related behavioural problems. They have local groups who meet regularly to provide mutual support and to offer a space to share experiences and worries.
FRANK offers honest information about drugs. They also give advice to people who are using drugs themselves or are worried about a friend or family member. They can provide details of local and national services for counselling and treatment.
Taking Action on Addiction provides treatment services to help people affected by a variety of addiction problems, including drug and alcohol misuse. They also have support groups and offer counselling for families and friends of substance misusers.
The Mix offers non-judgmental facts, advice and support about drugs and alcohol to young people aged 11 to 25.
NACOA offers information, advice and support to anyone who is affected by their parent’s drinking. This includes children, young people and adults.
NOFAS provides advice and support to anyone concerned about Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Release is the UK’s centre of expertise on drugs and drug laws. They provide free legal support, representation and drugs advice to people with a history of drug use or who are impacted by drug laws.
WithYou is a drug, alcohol and mental health charity. They have over 80 services across England and Scotland and provide support and advice to more than 100,000 people a year.
Related content
This page explores how to recognise the signs and symptoms of trauma, as well as practical tips for supporting children in kinship care.
How to plan and organise contact time with family to reduce stress and make it a positive experience for the child.
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