Benefits

CR2, CR3, CR6, CR7, CR8 

Need

There was a recognised need for an accessible and informative resource to help parents better understand the signs and risks associated with potential drug use in children and young people. Parents needed a tool to help them ‘connect the dots’ around what they might be observing in young people and learn how to intervene effectively. 

Action

To address this need, a partnership facilitated local parents to come together and develop the Dot Guide, an interactive, online resource. This toolkit, created by parents for parents, offers practical, usable resources. The website includes sections on identifying and understanding types of drugs, the consequences of drug use, how to recognise drug use, coping with a child’s drug use, assisting children, and self-help for parents. It connects users to wider support networks and provides direct links to support agencies, along with actionable steps for both long-term and crisis situations. The development process also involved connecting parents with local service providers and enhancing their skills in toolkit development, online resource creation, and collaboration with first responder agencies. 

Result

The Dot Guide has become a valuable self-help tool for parents, enhancing their understanding and capacity to deal with drug-related issues in children and young people. It not only offers immediate guidance and support but also ensures parents are connected to broader support networks and agencies for more comprehensive assistance. Through the development of this resource, parents have increased their capabilities in various areas, including understanding drug-related issues, creating online learning resources, and effectively collaborating with first responder agencies. This project has empowered parents with the knowledge and skills to support their children and themselves in addressing and preventing drug use.