Edinburgh Napier University

  Welcome to Lothian’s Practitioner TOOLKIT. This toolkit has been designed to complement Lothian’s interagency guidelines: Getting it right for children and families affected by parental problem alcohol and drug use: Guidelines for agencies in Edinburgh and the Lothians (ELBEG-PP 2013).
Many different professionals and agencies are now involved in the care of children and families who are affected by parental substance use. All professionals have an equally important role to play in ensuring a high standard of care is delivered so that the best possible outcomes for children and families can be achieved. This toolkit aims to promote good practice so that all children and families can be offered the right help at the right time. The toolkit consists of a philosophy of approach, good practice guidance and practice ‘tools’, underpinned by evidence-based information and advice.
The toolkit is mainly concerned with the care of children and families who have additional needs because there are concerns about the health or wellbeing of the child/unborn child or young person. Specific guidance on this topic is needed because parental problem alcohol and drug use is associated with social, legal, economic, and health-related problems that often complicate the delivery of care to these families. Much co-ordination and understanding between professionals and agencies is often needed.