Next Generation Research, the prevalence of children and young people impacted by parental substance misuse across the Tallaght community

Project title: Next Generation Research, the prevalence of children and young people impacted by parental substance misuse across the Tallaght community.  Ms Karen Galligan and Professor Catherine Comiskey.

Investment in families, specifically children and young people (potentially) impacted by substance misuse, remains a key priority for Tallaght Drug & Alcohol Task Force (TDATF) as they launched their Strategic Plan 2017 – 2020 and Next Generation Research. 

The TDATF and Barnardos Next Generation Research estimated the number of children of parents who misuse substances, including alcohol, across the communities of the TDATF area.  The research, which was undertaken by Karen Galligan and Catherine Comiskey, found that as many as 15% of children in the community are at risk of being impacted by illegal drug misuse.   In addition, almost one child (0.88%) is known to be potentially affected for every problem drug user.

This research is being extended by doctoral candidate Ms Michelle Byrne and supervisors Dr Mary Creaner and Professor Catherine Comiskey who are exploring the experience of motherhood by mothers who use substances in the region.