Children Affected by Parental Substance UseLevel 3
Thursday 23rd October 2025
09:30 – 13:00
Pennypit Community Centre, Double Dykes Rope Walk,
Prestonpans, EH32 9BN
What is this training?
This training offers an opportunity to hear from a person with lived experience and for practitioners to reflect
on how the guidance is helpful as a framework for intervention when working with families where there is
problematic use of alcohol and other drugs.
Who is this learning for?
Practitioners working with, or who may work with, children and young people affected by parental substance
use. This training is essential learning for anyone who comes across children, adults and families in the course
of their work in East Lothian or Midlothian, either paid or voluntary. The course is facilitated by EMPPO,
Midlothian and East Lothian Drugs and Alcohol Partnership (MELDAP), CIRCLE and East Lothian Young Carers
Are there any pre-requisites for attending this course?
Applicants must have previously completed Level 2 Child Protection Awareness Raising and Response training
(either through Learnpro, or a virtual or face-to-face session).
Participants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the following documents to get full benefit from
the training:
A Framework for Holistic Whole Family Approaches and Family Inclusive Practice
Practitioner Toolkit - Getting it right for children and families affected by parental problem alcohol and drug
use
What are the learning outcomes?
• Understand the impact of problematic parental substance use on the well-being of children and young
people
• Understand the range of adverse circumstances that affect families where substances are used
• Understand the importance of early intervention where parental substance use has been identified
• Develop an awareness of the ‘Whole Family Approach’ (Input from Circle)
• Understand the protective factors which promote resilience
How do I apply?
Speak to your line manager about whether this course is suitable for your role and level of experience. You
are required to seek your manager’s approval and ensure that you have protected time to attend. Provide
your details in the table in the body of the email that accompanies this flyer and send to
emppo@eastlothian.gov.uk.
