Addressing Forensic Mental Health: The Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Children

ALYSSA C. MOSS

Criminal Justice Studies

Parenting has been identified as one of the most important mediators in underlying links between interparental relationships and child psychological outcomes,” ( Harold & Leve, 2018). Research has shown that, “substance abuse disorders, have profound implications not only for individuals but also for the communities and systems surrounding them” (Naghavi, 2017). Research has also displayed that, “forensic mental health services provide crucial interventions for society” (Tully, 2024). Studies have shown that “substance abuse increases the likelihood of involvement with the law, and the link between substance abuse and criminal behavior is well-documented,” (Monahan, Robbins,1991,1992). The gap within the literature lacks data relating to children inside scholastic environments such as schools and extracurriculars. The goal of this paper is to address these gaps within said literature that speak on the forensic mental health aspects. The purpose of this research is to inform the public as to the effects of parental substance abuse on children's developmental outcomes, and to raise awareness of the impact of substance addiction as a whole.