Alcohol abuse

Substance misuse and addiction of various substances was one of the topics we considered today as part of Day 5 of training for prospective panel members. It followed a full session on permanence and discussion of where the children's hearing had a role to play in advising the sheriff where a permanence order had been lodged. Complex stuff for a Saturday.

But thought provoking too considering some of the scenarios. At what point do you impose compulsory measures on a child where one or two parents are misusing alcohol or drugs? And when do you step in to order removal from the family home, say to foster care when, despite the parents' best intentions things look like going wrong. ?And what if a suitable placement is not readily available?

Despite the problems associated with alcohol it was good at the end of the day once home to pour a G&T. On this occasion we used some "Botanicals" which some good friends had given us for Christmas: pink pepper, juniper, cardamom and hibiscus flower. Eventually the drink turned a deep pink but this shot captured the gradual distribution of colour. Very refreshing!