Safety · 2 min read
Protecting children and vulnerable family members
When drinking or drug use affects a household, children and vulnerable adults can be particularly affected. Their safety and wellbeing should always come first.
Safety at home
Think about practical risks: unsupervised care, driving after drinking or using drugs, medication or substances left within reach, and exposure to arguments or violence. Make safe arrangements where you can.
Talking to children
Children often notice more than adults realise. Age-appropriate, honest explanations, and reassurance that it isn't their fault, can help. Let them know it's okay to talk about how they feel.
Trusted adults and routines
Stable routines and a trusted adult can make a real difference to children living with uncertainty.
If you're worried about a child's safety
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. If you're worried about a child, you can contact your local council's children's services or the NSPCC. Children and young people can contact Childline themselves.
Key considerations
- Safeguarding concerns should not wait until you're certain.
- Domestic abuse affects children too, even if they don't witness it directly.
- Specialist services such as Nacoa support people affected by a parent's drinking.
Suggested next steps
- Review practical safety arrangements at home.
- Identify a trusted adult your child can talk to.
- Read our safeguarding information for more signposting.
Further reading from trusted sources
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