We know that substance use can have a profound impact on babies, children, parents and family relationships, at all ages and stages, but particularly during pregnancy and the early years.   

Yet the intersection of substance use, domestic abuse and broader adverse childhood experiences (ACES) is not fully recognised or understood. Adfam’s 2021 YouGov survey identified approximately 5 million people affected by someone else’s substance use in the UK. And, from 2025–26, 31% of parents impacted by domestic abuse who are supported by the For Baby’s Sake programme identified drug-related needs, highlighting the prevalence of substance use within families experiencing multiple and overlapping challenges. 

Join The For Baby’s Sake Trust and Adfam, for an insightful webinar exploring the impact of parental substance use on babies, children and families, and the intersection with wider complex needs. Together, we’ll consider what may be missing from conversations about substance use, including the links with ACEs and domestic abuse, the importance of understanding the whole family context in relation to substance use, and what steps we can take to support parents, babies and children who are impacted. 

We’ll explore how professionals can engage families through non-judgemental, compassionate, trauma-informed support, and the powerful role that trauma-informed relationships can play in supporting parents who are struggling with these issues. By recognising the impacts on babies and children, building safe and supportive relationships with parents, and working collaboratively across services, we can help create stronger families and better outcomes for children.