Media Statements - Parent-to-Parent support service and more family support featured in anti-drug plan

18/11/99

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

A parent-to-parent support service and increased support for families whose children are experiencing drug problems are among the initiatives in the latest State Government action plan on drug abuse.

The Minister Responsible for WA Drug Abuse Strategy, Rhonda Parker, said today the drug strategy for 1999 - 2001, Together Against Drugs, provided a range of important initiatives that supported family and parent efforts.

Mrs Parker said the existing Working In Partnership With Parents program would be expanded in several significant ways.

“One of our most important new services will provide telephone support for parents, by parents, which is linked to the 24 hour Parent Drug Information Service,” she said.

“Parents who contact the service will be asked if they wish to speak to another parent who has been in a similar situation. The call will then be referred to a trained, volunteer parent who will take the call in their home.

“The first group of 20 volunteer parents has already been trained and the service should be running shortly.

“Another significant development is the Parent Drug Information Service providing follow-up for families.

“Local community support networks for parents, linked to Local Drug Action Groups and supported by Community Drug Service Teams; the publication of parent friendly education and information materials; and regional forums to bring parents, professional services and community groups together are other important initiatives.”

The Minister said there would be further research and education to develop and promote family support by professional alcohol and drug treatment services.

Family support services provided by alcohol and drug agencies would also be expanded as necessary to continue to meet demand.

Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810

BACKGROUND

Working In Partnership With Parents project was developed about 18 months ago by the WA Drug Abuse Strategy Office (WADASO), in collaboration with community members to expand the support available to parents concerned about their adolescent child’s drug use.

The project acknowledged the need for support to be made available to families at an early stage if drug problems were emerging, and was aimed at supporting family efforts to better manage the issues associated with adolescent drug use.

Parents with experience of a drug using child have played a key role in the development of the project.

There has also been close consultation with those agencies that provide alcohol and drug services to parents and families.