Policy

Get involved

Our vision is that all families affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use should be able to access the support they require. We are committed to working until this is a reality.

Adfam is committed to representing the needs of families on a national policy level, as well as helping local service delivery for the families of drug and alcohol users. Adfam helps to ensure that the needs of families are accounted for on various forums, steering groups and advisory bodies, including the Department of Health, Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF - now the Department for Education), the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), the National Treatment Agency (NTA), and various forums alongside other drug and alcohol charities.

In its role as an umbrella organisation, Adfam produces fortnightly policy briefings to keep stakeholders up-to-date on latest developments in the family support field. You can also use the links on the left for information on consultations.

Adfam’s core beliefs include:

• Families are entitled to support for their own needs, regardless of the treatment status of their drug-using family member
• Family involvement can improve treatment outcomes for users and, where appropriate, families should be better informed of, and involved in, treatment practices
• Family support services are professional agencies and commissioning practices should reflect the long-term benefits they can provide to families, communities and service users
• Public services such as GP practices should be more family-friendly and aware of the needs of families, and where they can go for support
• Support for families should be available as an indicator for local partnerships to identify as a priority

Adfam’s manifesto sets out priorities for the sector in more detail.

For further information please email policy@adfam.org.uk.