Jackie Cosh reports
When the Children's Society researched the resources available for the children of substance abusers - and found them lacking - it decided to take action. In January 2002, STARS (Support Therapeutic Advocacy and Research Services) was formed.
The project, which is based in Nottingham, helps those between the ages of three and 21 who are experiencing emotional problems and difficulties in their education because their parents are misusing drugs.
About 55 children are seen by the project at any one time, with sessions held on average every two weeks. STARS are flexible about where they meet and tend to go to wherever the child feels more comfortable. This may be in their premises, at the child's school, or at a youth club. One place they never meet is in the child's home - they need to be in an environment where the child feels comfortable to talk openly.
The project's strategic manager Sara Mayer says, 'We thought it would be hard getting the children to talk, but in fact they are desperate to talk.
They want to be heard. Many feel that they are overlooked by the system, so they are pleased when someone wants to listen.'
Drug abuse, she says, has a huge impact on these children's lives. 'They become emotional, anxious, worried, and depressed. Usually there are problems in school. This can range from being upset, to having problems making friends. There is definitely a link between having drug abuse in the family and having problems at school.'
The children may be referred to the project by social services or by their parents. Most come from homes where the parent or carer uses drugs. Some may have siblings who are drug users, and some may not actually be living with their parents.
Talking methods
Sara explains how project workers help the children talk. 'We have a catalogue that the children use to decide which topics they would like to cover. Subjects include drug and alcohol information; how not to get so angry; how to chill out and relax; what to do if someone tries to help me; what to do if I need help,' she says.
'We look at what the child likes to do. This might be making posters, reading, or playing with puppets. We then use this medium to get on to the topic of drugs. We may make up a puppet show on the subject, or use role-playing games. Most children like to use a mixture of methods.'
Some of the children may need only two sessions, but many attend for six months. Emma was eight when she first began attending STARS. Her mother was a substance abuser and she was struggling at school, finding it hard to concentrate. After eight months Emma told the project workers that she was now able to move her problems from the front of her mind to the back of her mind, and felt more able to cope at school.
Neil was four when he was referred to STARS. At that time the situation at home was particularly bad and he was in need of some support. It didn't take him long to settle. On his first visit he exclaimed with excitement, 'STARS has dinosaurs', and that was him content.
'We have found that we can do some very good work with pre-school children,' says Sara, who stresses that it is important to start helping children at as young an age as possible. 'It is a case of the earlier the better. Pre-school is the ideal age to pick up issues with children.
'People working with children should look out for signs of drug abuse at home, such as the child pretending to inject. They should then speak to a specialist and get help and advice.'
As well as working with schools to raise awareness of the problems associated with drugs and alcohol, STARS has also received funding from the Department for Education and Skills to share its expertise and good practice nationally. The project now offers training, consultancy and advice to groups throughout the UK that are attempting to help children of drug abusers.
With STARS now firmly established in Nottingham, the team members are keen to share their knowledge and to ensure that every child in the country can have access to such help.
Further information
* STARS project tel 0115 9422974
* www.the-childrens-society.org.uk