A range of national and international experts have been assembled for the programme of this conference, to highlight the needs of the children involved and ways in which their long-term needs can be diagnosed. Other speakers will address ways in which these children can be helped, from a multi-disciplinary approach. The speakers represent a range of disciplines, including a Psychiatrist and Pediatrician.

The course is designed for social workers, lawyers involved in care proceedings, health and education professionals and those working within the field of drugs and alcohol.

Despite the increasing focus of the risks of drugs and alcohol, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the needs of the unborn child. Delegates would therefore not need any prior knowledge on this topic as the programme aims to heighten this knowledge.

From attending this conference, delegates will be aware of, and understand, the permanent problems for these children and the risks for their future, together with the potential of the legal system to balance these risks, and, ways forward. Delegates should be inspired to disseminate these messages and highlight the risks and permanent problems for these unborn children, of maternal drug and alcohol usage.

The Programme

09.00: Registration & Refreshments - 30 Mins

09.30: Welcome & Introduction - 15 Mins

09.45: Binge, Crack & Methadone Britain - 45 Mins

Moira Plant, Professor of Alcohol Studies, University of the West of England, Bristol & Director of the Alcohol & Health Research Trust

10.30: Methadone and Treatment Programmes: Implications for Children - 30 Mins

Edwina Greenwell, Service Manager, CAFCASS

11.00: Outcomes of Pre-Natal Alcohol Exposure - Autism 45 Mins

Dr. Raja Mukherjee, Consultant Psychiatrist, Surrey and Borders

Partnership NHS Trust

11.45: Refreshments - 15 Mins

12.00: The Long-Term Outcome for Children of Drug Abuse in Pregnancy - 60 Mins

Dr Philip Preece, Consultant Paediatrician, Chesterfield and

North Derbyshire Royal Hospital NHS Trust

1.00: Lunch - 60 MINS

2.00: Multi-Disciplinary Working - 40 Mins

Edwina Brocklesby, Director, Parents for Children

2.40: Raising Awareness of an Increasing Problem - 20 Mins

NOFAS-UK (DVD)

3.00: The use of Multi-Dimensional Treatment Foster Care Strategies in Meeting the Complex Needs of Children & Young People affected by Maternal Substance Misuse 40 Mins

Dawn Walker, Consultant Systematic Family Therapist Team Leader - Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care Team (North) Department of Clinical Psychology, Central Manchester and Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust

3.40: Refreshments 05 MINS

3.45: Discussion Forum - The blocks to Meeting the Needs of Children Affected by Maternal Substance Misuse 30 Mins

All Speakers from the Day & Audience Interaction

4.15: Plenary 15 MINS

4.30: Close

Please Note: All delegates will be sent a certificate after the conference has taken place