The Australian Drug Foundation has recently updated the Alcohol and other drugs: a guide for parents booklet. This booklet is part of the Drugs in focus series and provides a strong grounding for parents to talk with their children about alcohol and other drugs.

The Alcohol and other drugs: a guide for parents booklet includes information and photographs of the most commonly used legal and illegal drugs including alcohol, amphetamines, analgesics (painkillers), benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, hallucinogens, heroin, inhalants, ketamine and tobacco.

This book, by Michael Carr-Gregg (published by the Australian Drug Foundation) is described as providing helpful, realistic advice, encouraging parents and students to keep exams and the pressures of Year 12 in perspective, and avoid unrealistic expectations and unnecessary stress.

It costs $19.95 and is available from the website of the Australian Drug Foundation.

By Elly Robinson, Lyndal Power and David Allan (Australian Family Relationships Clearinghouse).

This paper, What works with adolescents?, examines the literature regarding adolescent-parent relationships, and explores the evidence for family involvement in interventions, such as family therapy, to address adolescent problems. Examples of practice are provided.

By Jenny Shale, First published at On Line Opinion, Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Politicians are very sensitive to public opinion in an election year. Interest groups and industry lobbies form queues to knock on their doors, and politicians are keen to meet them to make sure no important group is overlooked when promises are made.

Except for families, that is. Because despite the constant reference to families by politicians, there is no national voice in Australia for parents, families and carers.

Until now - A long-overdue National Federation of Parents, Families and Carers was launched last week in Melbourne (August 8, 2007).

First Posted at Australian Policy Online , 12-09-2007.

This study investigates the economic case for the implementation of the Triple P Positive Parenting Program on a population basis in Queensland, Australia, in order to reduce the prevalence of conduct disorder in children. It concludes that Triple P is likely to be a worthwhile use of limited health funds.

This research report discusses findings on the impact on families of the death of a child and makes some strong recommendations directed to a greater understanding and improved support services by various bodies. 

This article in a recent edition of the Source: Druginfo Clearinghouse's newsletter provides links to a number of studies and reports on the impact of parental drug use on children. 

By Terry Hannon / Flat Out Inc. and the Victorian Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders.

When a primary carer is arrested and sent to prison their children suffer. An extensive amount of research has documented the psycho-social, academic, and developmental impact on children when their primary carer goes to prison. Despite the obvious need for policy, there is a dearth of information about existing or developing policies that address the needs of prisoners’ children, both in Australia and internationally.

The full report, Children: unintended victims of legal process. A review of policies and legislation affecting children with incarcerated parents is available at Australian Policy Online .