Parental Involvement in Child Protection Services and Parenting Experience as Alcohol and Other Drug Use: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.

This article examines the emotional experiences of drug- and/or alcohol-using parents in the UK who are engaged in substance misuse treatment while their children are subject to child protective Social Services interventions, such as Child Protection Plans or Child in Need Plans. Using semi-structured interviews, photovoice, and journal writing with eight parents, the study identifies four key emotional themes: parents’ perceptions of self-identity, how they believe others perceive them, anger and frustration, and fear and guilt. Findings reveal that parents often experience profound psychological trauma, internalize stigma, and face complex emotions linked to their substance use and social care involvement. The research highlights the need for tailored, compassionate treatment models that address both addiction and parenting challenges, and suggests that family-inclusive and flexible interventions may improve outcomes for these families.