Child-focused practice with parents who use substances

In this episode, host Nicole Rollbusch is joined by Alicia Phillips, a family therapist in the alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sector, to discuss how practitioners can have compassionate, child-focused conversations with parents who use substances. Alicia shares insights from her practice and lived experience, exploring how practitioners can start conversations about children early and build trust with parents. She talks about ways to avoid shame and judgement and recognise children as a source of motivation, hope and change. 

• Listen now to hear how child-focused conversations can build trust with parents who use substances and keep children’s wellbeing visible. 

• Explore our alcohol and other drugs (AOD) learning pathway to access two free online courses for working with children and families. 

In this episode, you will learn about:  

• ways to start child-focused conversations with parents who use substances [07:00]
• how shame, stigma and past service experiences can affect parent engagement [15:53]
• building trust when discussing children’s wellbeing [18:03]
• how exploring parents’ values, hopes, strengths and family context can support meaningful change for children and families. [32:26]

Further information and resources 

Webinars: 

Beginning child aware conversations with parents who use substances 

Skills in child aware practice with parents who use substances 

Resource mentioned in the episode: 

Red Nose Australia National grief and loss support for miscarriage and infant or child loss.