Hanley has partnered with the National Association for Children Impacted by Addiction (NACoA) to build out our Multi-Day Children’s Program, specifically designed for children aged 7-12 who have a family history of addiction.
A Safe Space for Healing and Growth
This unique, child-centered program aims to provide a supportive and nurturing environment for children to learn, heal, and develop resilience. At Hanley, no child is turned away due to an inability to pay, ensuring that every family in need can access help.
Addressing Addiction as a Family Disease
Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the entire family, creating a multi-generational cycle that can have lasting effects. This program recognizes that addiction is a family disease, and children are often caught in the middle. They face increased risks of developing addiction, experiencing maltreatment, and struggling with mental health issues. Hanley’s goal is to break this cycle by empowering children with the tools they need to thrive despite these challenges.
Building Resilience and Hope
Through the program, children learn that they have the power to overcome adversity by drawing upon their inner strengths, building new skills, and finding support systems. The ultimate goal is to foster resilience—helping children adapt successfully even in the face of significant risk.
The Three Healing Stages
The healing journey through Hanley’s Children’s Family Program is based on three core stages:
Learning About Addiction
Children often have an egocentric understanding of the world, leading them to believe that their loved one's addiction is somehow their fault.
This stage helps to change the narrative by teaching children that they are not to blame for the addiction. They learn the facts about addiction, the risks involved, and how it affects them. They also challenge the erroneous life script that often emerges in families affected by addiction.
Opening Doors
This stage encourages children to break the harmful "Family Laws of Addiction", which often dictate: "Don't talk, don't trust, don't feel," as described by Dr. Claudia Black. Kids are given the space to talk openly about their experiences, feel validated, and receive crucial messages such as:
• It's not your fault.
• You are not alone.
• Safe people can help you.
• It's okay to be a kid.
Self-Care
Self-care is vital to breaking the cycle of addiction. Children are taught the Seven Cs developed by Jerry Moe, MA, which offer a roadmap for emotional and psychological well-being:
• I didn't cause it.
• I can't control it.
• I can help take care of myself by:
• Communicating my feelings,
• Making healthy choices, and
• Celebrating who I am.
This powerful framework gives children the tools they need to take control of their own lives and feelings.
Learn More About Hanley Family Program for Children
Hanley’s Children’s Family Program is a lifeline for children impacted by addiction. It offers them the opportunity to break free from the multi-generational cycle, understand that they are not responsible for their loved one’s addiction, and gain the skills needed to move forward with confidence and hope.
At Hanley, we believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive, and we’re here to support that journey—no matter the circumstances.
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