How schools identify and support children and families experiencing parental alcohol misuse

Interventions targeting parental alcohol misuse (PAM) typically address parental drinking behaviour, meaning children are often overlooked in support. As children experiencing PAM often have poorer psychological, social, and educational outcomes in adolescence, effective support is vital and there is increasing interest in the role of schools in identification and support. In this exploratory qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were used to gather views of school staff from 10 primary, secondary, and alternative provisions through convenience and purposive sampling. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data, with a set of themes and sub-themes identified relating to identification and support. An overarching theme related to relationships and person-centred working. Other themes included methods of identification, signs of PAM, what helps schools in identification and support, challenges of identification and support, acting on concerns and monitoring students, and a graduated response to support. These findings are discussed in relation to the existing literature, and implications for school-based practice explored. Limitations and potential future research directions are also considered.<br/><br/>