Family Drug and Alcohol Courts (FDAC) were introduced to England in 2008 following their development in the USA. Pilots launched across the country adopted a family-based strategy with the aim to improve outcomes for children that live with parents who misuse substances or alcohol. The numbers of children entering the care system has increased…

This document is intended to be used by school personnel when helping students with home problems. Section 1 suggests four ways school personnel may help students with alcoholic parents: listen and communicate; be aware of one's own limitations and do not attempt to change the student's home environment; foster primary relationships; and remain…

The purposes of this study were to identify factors that would ameliorate the risk for substance abuse problems among children of alcoholics (COA), and to explore mechanisms of protection, particularly the Stress-Buffering model. Protective factors for children of alcoholics were examined in a controlled study (N=386). Three possible models are…

This document is intended to be used by therapists who are working with children of alcoholics and are concerned with issues of self-worth and trust. Section 1 asserts that in order to help clients who have an alcoholic parent overcome personal inadequacies, three critical areas may need to be considered: conditions for effecting positive…

This document is intended to educate parents and children on alcoholism. It suggests that although it is desirable for alcoholic parents to stop drinking, it is not necessary for them to do so before beginning to support the emotional growth of their children. Section 1 provides parents with guidelines to use when helping their children overcome…

While some children may experience negative consequences as the result of growing up with an alcoholic parent, the majority will never develop any difficulties. This article examines how adolescent children of alcoholics can be supported by using positive, strengths-based approaches which focus on existing skills and abilities, rather than…

This article reviews the factors that influence the development of substance abuse and other negative outcomes among children of alcoholic parents (COAs). It reviews several pathways that may lead to the development of substance disorders for COAs, then explores protective factors that may decrease their risk for future negative outcomes.

Hypothesizes higher rates of psychopathology in preschool children of alcoholic parents, based on findings of higher rates of psychopathology in school-age children of alcoholic parents. Forty-four children of at least one alcoholic biological parent were studied. Higher levels of distress were reported only in the preschool offspring of alcoholic…

This document presents a conceptual framework within which to view variability in parental alcoholism and children's exposure to alcoholism. The framework considers both individual characteristics of the children and ecological factors. A review of relevant literature on stress, coping, and adaptation among children and adolescents examines the…

Alcohol poses a significant threat to young people. Ways in which to warn children between the ages of 8 and 13 about the dangers of alcohol are presented in this book. It is a health education text containing precise information presented in a simple way, through the use of fictional characters who are vividly portrayed in pictures and…

The effects of drug and alcohol use by pregnant women which concern state policymakers are discussed in this booklet. Topics discussed include: (1) the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome on infants and children, as well as the effects on children of drug use by mothers during pregnancy; (2) initiatives aimed at helping these children; (3) women…

Discusses Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), accepted as leading known cause of mental retardation. Relates chronicity, timing, and severity of alcohol exposure to age-specific developmental and behavioral consequences. Delineates specific interventions with infants, preschoolers, school-age children, and adolescents. Advocates for accurate diagnosis…

This document presents the Save-Your-Life Glossary, which consists of four parts: (1) the glossary itself, which defines alcohol, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), drug, and tobacco-related terms; (2) the alerts sections, which focus on popular drugs or issues that concern young people; (3) the focus sections, which categorize and…

Reported that parental alcoholism is prognostic of childhood behavior problems, both directly, through genetic and modeling effects, and indirectly, through parental distress and physical problems. It was hypothesized that the heightened rate of behavior problems in children of alcoholics could be traced to the combination of negative interactions…

We received 38 controlled studies of marital and family therapy (MFT) in alcoholism treatment. We conclude that, when the alcoholic is unwilling to seek help, MFT is effective in helping the family cope better and motivating alcoholics to enter treatment. Specifically, (a) Al-Anon facilitation and referral help family members cope better; (b)…