We are excited to welcome National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) as the newest member of the FASD United Affiliate Network, a coalition of organizations united to further FASD awareness, provide support, and improve the quality of life for those affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Based in Maryland, NACoA is a non-profit organization with a mission “to eradicate the impact of parental substance use on children and families.” NACoA provides family support, training, and advocacy, while offering a variety of resources for families and professionals whose work touches the lives of children impacted by the disease of addiction.
Mary Beth Collins, NACoA’s Director of Programs says, “For over 40 years, NACoA has been the voice for children impacted by parental substance use. These children are at increased risk of FASD and emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges, growing up in homes with parents who often lacked the support they needed themselves. By breaking these intergenerational challenges and providing early support and education, their outcomes can change dramatically. Kids and teens who benefit from such programs can influence the trajectory of their lives as well as reduce their risk of developing a substance use disorder themselves.”
Speaking about the organization’s programs, Mary continues, “NACoA offers a range of online trainings, curricula, and resource guides designed for professionals, educators, peer supporters, and organizations working at the intersection of recovery and family support. NACoA is proud of its national affiliate network and international allies, working collaboratively to increase resilience and wellbeing in communities and freeing children and families from the adverse impact of parental substance use.”
“NACoA was founded in 1983 by a group of therapists, treatment professionals, researchers who recognized commonality among the adults who were impacted by parental substance use in their childhood.”
Key programs include “Celebrating Families!” , a trauma-informed, evidence-based program for families affected by parental substance use. The Children’s Program Kit contains skill based lesson plans and program instructions to create a variety of education supportive activities for school-aged youth impacted by parental substance use.
The Faith Leaders Institute on Substance Use in Families “equips faith leaders with the tools and knowledge to support children and families facing the effects of parental substance use within their communities.” Law Enforcement and First Responders Curriculum introduces concepts in trauma-informed response and child development, to increase officers’ capacity to support children and families impacted by substance use.
Join us!
Do you have an organization that is interested in joining the FASD Affiliate Network? We welcome interested organizations to take a seat at our table by becoming an engaged, FASD-informed organization! An organization/entity’s sole focus does not need to be FASD to join the network. We encourage all organizations/entities that are dedicated to furthering our mission to get involved. Learn more on how to become an affiliate on our website.