Guide to the toxic trio: Managing multiple parental problems, substance use, mental health and domestic abuse

Author: William McGovern, lecturer, Children, Family and Community Studies, Northumbria University BIOG

Publication Date: 03 October 2012

Quick links:
Introduction
The toxic trio
Exposure during pregnancy
The impact of witnessing parental stressors upon the child
The effects of parental stressors upon parenting
Parental capacity and the toxic trio
Coming together – the multiplicative impact 
Identification and assessment
Services around the child and family
Young carers
Planning and review
Interventions
Engaging children
Intensive child support
Engaging children and parents generally
- Prevention (substance misuse)
- Harm reduction
- Advocacy
Engaging children and parents specifically
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Trauma Therapy (CTT)
- Brief Interventions (BI)
- Perpetrators
Engaging families
- Work with families
- Parenting and training interventions
Closing comments
References

Introduction
The term “toxic trio” is used to describe the co-occurrences of mental health problems, substance misuse and domestic abuse in families.  Thankfully, the majority of parents do provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children, however, it is also important to remember that for a minority of children abuse and neglect is an all too often occurrence.  Children of parents who are affected by the toxic trio are at an increased risk of significant harm.