What help is available for mothers who suffer from addictions and
their children?
In Plymouth, one charity is offering real hope.
NHS figures suggest that between 2014 and 2016, 1,162 babies in England and Wales were affected by maternal drug use – and those are the ones they know about.
It is a sad fact that almost every drug taken will pass through a pregnant woman into the blood stream of her unborn baby. This means that these babies often enter the world addicted to the same drugs. They can also suffer from withdrawal once they are born, called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).
All too often, a baby born in these circumstances is removed into Local Authority foster care, or placed with a family member.
However, increasing numbers of experts believe that there is a better way, and that outcomes for both children with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and their mothers are far better if they can detox together.
We are fortunate in the South West to have Trevi House, a Plymouth based charity. Trevi House is currently the UK’s only residential centre where mothers who are addicted to drink and/or drugs can live with their children and get beating their addiction.
The charity provides an invaluable, life changing service evidenced by the fact that between 2013 and 2015 around 65% of children left there with their mother who had successfully become drug and alcohol free. This is a huge number of children who would otherwise been caught up in the care system.
It is not our place to point a finger – we understand from our own experiences with family law clients that mothers who enter the doors of Trevi House have often lived through their very own horror story. The rehabilitation plan offered by this charity can offer them a way out and a way forward together with their children.
The Family Law Company often represents mothers with alcohol and drug addictions, who desperately want to remain with their children – and we are extremely grateful that Trevi House is able to provide help and support to them.
For more information or to find out how we can help you, contact Carrie Laws, a Chartered Legal Executive in our Plymouth team or call 01752 674999.
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