Description
Millions of children live in homes affected by familial substance use, facing daily negative impacts. These children experience significant trauma, and without intervention and support from various professionals, their suffering may go unnoticed and unaddressed. In the United States, one in eight children lives with at least one parent struggling with a substance use disorder. As a result, they are three times more likely to experience abuse and four times more likely to suffer neglect compared to peers in substance-free households. Despite being the first to feel the effects of a family member’s addiction, these children are often the last to receive help and support. Professionals are uniquely positioned to identify these vulnerable children and provide them with a path toward healing rather than continued trauma.

This training will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of substance use disorder (SUD), the intergenerational cycle of addiction, and the vital importance of early identification and intervention. It will cover strategies and tools for effective engagement and building supportive connections. Key objectives include recognizing trauma and its impacts, identifying at-risk children, using non-stigmatizing language, connecting families with essential resources, and prioritizing self-care. Emphasizing practical strategies and compassionate approaches, the training equips professionals with the necessary tools to respond effectively and sensitively, promoting positive, lasting outcomes for vulnerable children, youth, and the professionals supporting them.

This webinar is provided at no cost. PF! will be applying for Prevention CEUs and CHES hours. The prevention education domain for this session is: P2- Prevention Education & Service Delivery

Training Objectives

1. Understand and describe substance use disorder and its effects on children and families.
2. Explain the specific challenges faced by children living in households affected by substance use.
3. Apply and demonstrate strategies, approaches, and tools to effectively engage and support children impacted by familial substance use.

Presenter
Stacee Read, BA, MSW, LSW, Director of Innovation, National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

Stacee Read, BA, MSW, LSW, is a nationally recognized expert in child welfare and on the impacts of familial substance use and the disease of addiction on children. For over 13 years and currently as the Director of Innovation for the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), Ms. Read has worked with communities and Tribes across the U.S., providing training, technical assistance, curricula and resource development, and policy guidance to strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration and implement evidence-based practices and programs. A sought-after speaker and trainer, Ms. Read has educated thousands of professionals on trauma-informed approaches, early intervention, and cross- sector strategies to support vulnerable children.

With a background in child welfare, mental health, and crisis intervention, Ms. Read has held roles such as National Trainer, Director of Network Development, Tribal Liaison, Child Abuse Investigator, Associate Ombudsman, Group Home Manager, Crisis Supervisor, and Fatality Review Team Facilitator. Ms. Read has served on multiple national and state-level committees, contributing her expertise to initiatives addressing substance-exposed newborns and children, rural and Tribal law enforcement, and child protection policies and practices. Ms. Read is also a private consultant providing consulting and coaching on various topics, complementing her work in the substance use and addiction space.

Ms. Read holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Iowa. Ms. Read is passionate about her work to help children and families and she works to make strides forward for everyone impacted by addiction and maltreatment. Her dedication to sustainable change and culturally responsive practices makes her a vital advocate for children and families.