Core Curriculum

Celebrating Families! is a successful, evidence-based 16 session curriculum that addresses the needs of children and parents in families that are struggling the affects of substance use disorders and its related trauma. The curriculum engages every member of the family, to foster the development of healthy, resilient individuals.

A typical cohort was designed to serve 6 to 15 families depending on the site’s physical facilities, referral process and intake of eligible families.

Each session begins with a family meal. Afterwards family members break into age groups for developmentally appropriate activities led by the group facilitators. At the end of each session, all family members re-connect in activities to learn how to apply these new skills and interact in healthy ways.

The model is developed for families dealing with the disease of addiction and its multi-generational impact, many of whom have learning differences or cognitive deficits. Celebrating Families! is based on recent research about brain chemistry, including skills, education, risk and protective factors, and asset development. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of community service and individual spirituality.

Why Celebrating Families! Works

• • • Whole-Family Healing: Uses a dual-family, trauma-informed approach that enhances reunification rates while
      reducing time in child welfare systems.
    • Skill-Building for Stability: Empowers families with tools for healthy living, including nutrition, sleep, and positive
      communication.
    • Breaking Cycles of the Disease of Addiction & Trauma: Addresses substance use and mental health challenges in
      every session, helping all family members learn how to trust, identify feelings, and communicate in a healthy way, and help parents develop the skills needed for sobriety and safe, nurturing relationships.
    • Adaptability for High-Need Populations: Tailored to families at risk due to substance use, learning differences, and mental health challenges.