It is not their fault
Children learn that they did not cause a parent’s substance use disorder and cannot control or cure it.
K–12 curriculum for children affected by addiction
Children’s Program Kit
Children should not have to sort through a parent’s substance use disorder alone. NACoA’s Children’s Program Kit gives schools and community organizations the curriculum to build a structured, age-appropriate support program.
With more than 100 skill-based lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school groups, the Kit helps children understand addiction, practice safety and coping skills, and recognize the adults they can turn to.
Prefer a printable form? Download the 2026 order form.
What children need from us
Clear information, practical skills, and a safe place to talk
Children living with a parent’s addiction often carry confusion, fear, and responsibility that do not belong to them. A well-run support group can replace silence with facts, connection, and useful next steps.
Safety and support matter
Lessons help children solve problems, identify safe adults, and seek help when they need it.
Strengths can grow
Children practice coping and resilience skills they can carry into school, relationships, and daily life.
Inside the curriculum
Build the program your children and setting need
The Children’s Program Kit is designed for professionals who want to offer consistent, educational support without building a curriculum from scratch.
- Elementary, middle, and high school lesson plans
- More than 100 skill-based activities
- Education about addiction and its impact on families
- Problem-solving, coping, and safety skills
- Flexible material for different program settings
- Grief guidance for children affected by a parent’s death
NACoA is your implementation partner
Curriculum is only the beginning
NACoA can help you consider your audience, delivery setting, facilitator preparation, and training options. Online, on-demand training is available when ordering the curriculum, and additional consultation is available for organizations building a customized program.
A straightforward way to begin
From curriculum to a working children’s program
1
Choose your setting
Identify the children you serve, their age range, and where the group will meet.
2
Order the Kit
Use the online order form or download the printable 2026 order form for your organization.
3
Prepare facilitators
Add on-demand training when ordering, or contact NACoA to discuss other training and consultation options.
Where the Kit can be used
One curriculum, several community settings
The lessons are flexible enough to support children where they already learn, receive care, or spend time with trusted adults.
Schools
Elementary, middle, and high school support groups, including groups offered through Student Assistance Programs.
Treatment and recovery programs
Children’s education and support alongside a parent or caregiver’s treatment and recovery plan.
Recovery community centers
Ongoing, age-appropriate support for the children of parents participating in recovery services.
Faith organizations and camps
Educational programming in faith communities, weekend programs, and summer camps.
Now available in the Kit
Grief Guidance for Children of Addiction
Children may grieve a death as well as the loss of connection, stability, or safety that can accompany a parent’s substance use disorder.
More than 321,000 children in the United States lost a parent to drug overdose from 2011 to 2021. When addiction is part of the loss, grief can also carry stigma, unanswered questions, and disruption at home.
The Children’s Program Kit now includes instruction and session plans for programs supporting children and teens whose parent has died.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before ordering
Who is the Children’s Program Kit for?
The Kit is designed for educational support groups serving school-aged children and teens in grades K–12 who are affected by a parent or caregiver’s substance use disorder.
What is included in the curriculum?
The Kit includes more than 100 skill-based, developmentally appropriate lesson plans and materials for building a children’s educational support program.
Where can the Kit be used?
It can be used in schools, treatment and recovery programs, recovery community centers, faith organizations, and weekend or summer community programs.
Does the Kit include support for grief and loss?
Yes. The current Kit includes grief guidance, instruction, and session plans for programs supporting children affected by substance use disorders whose parent has died.
Is training available?
Yes. Online, on-demand training is available when ordering the curriculum. Contact NACoA to discuss other training options, implementation support, or consultation for a customized program.
How do I order?
You can order online through NACoA’s Children’s Program Kit order form or download the printable 2026 order form.
Bring the program to your community
Give children a place to understand, practice, and connect
Order the Children’s Program Kit, add facilitator training, or talk with NACoA about the right implementation path for your organization.
