This course, Helping Children and Youth of Addicted Parents, is based on the core competencies developed by a group of experts working with the National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) to address the needs of the one in four children living in families with addicted parents. Relatives, community leaders, teachers, early childhood professionals, youth workers, and countless others who come into contact with children on a regular basis can support these children of addicted parents (COAs) by learning about addiction, its impact on children, and the strategies and messages that can build resilience in these COAs.

The goal of the course is to provide information that will enhance your ability to foster and support reilience and decrease the impact of risk factors for COAs.  There are 6 modules in addition to the Introduction and they are as follows:

Introduction -Goals and Learning Objectives

Module 1 - Definition and Impact of alcoholism and drug dependence

Module 2 - Behavioral signs exhibited by children of parents with alcohol and drug use disorders

Module 3 - Benefits of early intervention and prevention activities

Module 4 - Building resilience and working with families

Module 5 - Resources and Tools

Module 6 - Professional Boundaries

 

 

Course Map

1. Module 1 Introduction
   1. Core Competencies
   2. Resilience
   3. Protective Factors and Risk Factors
   4. Course Goals
   5. Learning Objectives
   6. Course Modules
2. Module 2 Definition & Impact of Alcohol & Drug Use
   1. Overview
   2. Genetics
   3. Definitions of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
   4. Adverse Childhood Experiences
   5. Impact of Substance Use Disorders on Medical Costs
   6. Section Quiz
3. Module 3 Behaviors Exhibited by COAs & Families
   1. Important Facts
   2. Early Signs of Risk
   3. "Rules" in Families with Addicted Parent
   4. Impact on the Family: Some Key Points
   5. Family Signs of Risk
   6. Section Quiz
4. Module 4 Benefits of Early Intervention/Prevention
   1. Importance of Universal Prevention Programs
   2. Helping COAs
   3. Protective Skills COAs Need
   4. Protective Factors
   5. Age-appropriate Interventions
   6. Helpful Messages for COAs
   7. The Seven Cs
   8. Healthy Families and Supportive Adults
   9. Section Quiz
5. Module 5 Building Resilience
   1. Supportive Steps
   2. COA Groups
   3. Student Assistance Programs
   4. Range of COA Specific Services
   5. Awareness Activities
   6. Education
   7. Support Groups
   8. Coping Strategies
   9. Role of Non-addicted Parent or Other Family Member
   10. Family-based Prevention Programs
   11. Section Quiz
6. Module 6 Resources and Tools
   1. Types of Prevention Programs
   2. Venues for Prevention Programs
   3. Student Assistance Programs
   4. Community-based Programs
   5. Children's Program Kit
   6. Section Quiz
7. Module 7 Professional Boundaries
   1. Supervision and Making Referrals
   2. Behaviors Indicating Need for Referrals
   3. Child Abuse Reporting Laws