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Get the materials your organization needs to begin planning and delivering Celebrating Families!
Evidence-based whole-family recovery program
Celebrating Families!
Substance use disorder affects every member of a family. Celebrating Families! gives children and adults a structured place to learn, practice, and heal together.
This 16-week, trauma-informed program helps families build communication, parenting, coping, and healthy living skills through age-appropriate learning and shared family practice.
Used by treatment courts, behavioral health organizations, schools, faith communities, and community-based agencies.
A practical path for family recovery
Recovery works better when the whole family is included
Celebrating Families! (CF!) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed, skill-building program focused on the future physical and behavioral health of children and families affected by substance use disorders and related trauma.
The program was developed for families involved with treatment courts and has since been used in many settings serving families affected by addiction, adverse childhood experiences, child welfare involvement, and family disruption.
CF! is more than a parenting program. Every session provides age-appropriate education and practice for adults and children. Families learn in peer groups, then come back together to use the skills in everyday family life.
Skills families can use
Families practice healthier ways to communicate and respond
The program makes room for honest learning without blaming children or shaming adults in recovery.
- Talk about feelings and experiences safely
- Build positive parenting and discipline skills
- Understand how addiction affects the family
- Practice healthier coping strategies
- Strengthen routines, connection, and family meals
- Build problem-solving skills, resilience, and hope
Research and evaluation
Documented outcomes for children, parents, and families
Evaluations have linked Celebrating Families! with stronger parenting skills, better family communication, increased protective factors, and improved family reunification outcomes.
91%of children reported feeling more hopeful about their family’s future.
89%of parents reported improved communication and connection with their children.
93%reported they no longer used substances to cope with sadness or anger.
94%of parents reported becoming strong advocates for their children.
Published findings also include doubled reunification rates with less time to reunification in Dependency Drug Court, significant increases in effective parenting skills, demonstrated effectiveness in Hispanic communities, and successful online adaptation.
Research cited by NACoA includes Brook et al. (2015), Sparks et al. (2013), Coleman (2006), and Cohen & Tisch (2020).
Choose your next step
Curriculum, training, and implementation support
Prepare Group Leaders
Group leader and train-the-trainer options are available online and in person for staff, volunteers, and community partners.
Plan Your Program
Review session structure, implementation guidance, data collection information, and available supplements.
See the program in context
Introduction to Celebrating Families!
Learn why whole-family recovery matters and how the program helps adults and children develop skills together.
Frequently asked questions
What organizations need to know
Is Celebrating Families! a parenting program?
It includes parenting education and has demonstrated improvements in parenting skills, family relationships, and communication. But CF! is a whole-family recovery program. Every member of the family receives age-appropriate education and opportunities to practice new skills.
How long is the program?
Celebrating Families! is a 16-week program. Planning before the first session and a final review after the program may extend the full staffing timeline to approximately 18 or 19 weeks.
Can the program support family reunification?
Yes. Evaluation studies have documented increased reunification rates and decreased time to reunification for participating families in Dependency Drug Court.
What staffing is needed?
The program can be delivered by paid staff, volunteers, or community collaborations. A program coordinator is important, and NACoA advises including a clinically trained person. Staffing and certification requirements may vary by state and setting.
Is training available?
Yes. Group leader and train-the-trainer programs are available online and in person to help staff, volunteers, and community collaborators prepare to work with participating families.
NACoA can help
Ready to bring Celebrating Families! to your community?
NACoA can help your organization understand the curriculum, choose the right training path, and prepare for implementation.
