This component offers a comprehensive evidence review with the aim to support the wider action learning approach of Everyone Has a Story.

This evidence review recognises the reality for people in recovery will often mean that parents are known to services, will be engaging with some form of support and making attempts to change things in their lives.

Through a critical analysis of the empirical evidence, this review seeks to explore the ways parental recovery from problematic drug and alcohol use may affect children and young people.

This review consults literature that illustrates the ways parental problematic drug and alcohol use can impact family life and the support needs of children and young people. Close analysis of the evidence helps to identify the protective factors that may facilitate child well-being and positive outcomes, e.g. the role of positive family relationships and opportunity for respite. In addition, the literature illustrates the potential risks and vulnerabilities of children and young people affected by parental problematic drug and alcohol use e.g. emotional neglectand trauma.

Evidence illustrated within childhood trauma and neglect studies provides scope to understand the ways negative events in childhood can be the source of irreversible damage that can shape outcomes in adulthood. Finally, the review consults evidence that demonstrates the diverse and at times unstable living arrangements children and young people may experience as a result of parental problematic drug and alcohol use and recovery.