Summer Programs for Children
Impacted by Parental Substance Use
When schools let out for summer, many children look forward to vacation, pool days, and carefree play. But for children living in families impacted by a parent’s substance use disorder (SUD), summer can feel uncertain, isolating, and heavy with responsibility. Instead of rest and fun, some children are left managing adult tasks — caring for younger siblings, preparing meals, or navigating emotional stress with little support. This is where summer camps tailored for children living with family addiction can make a profound difference.
At these camps, children find what they may be missing at home: consistent routines, emotionally safe environments, and caring, responsible adults who are focused solely on their well-being. Structured days offer a sense of predictability and calm—something that is often lacking in homes affected by SUD. They can relax knowing they’ll be fed, guided, and supported.
Plan Support This Summer in Your Community!
Using NACoA’s Children’s Program Kit, caring adults can access everything they need to plan and provide a supportive camp experience this summer! Designed for programs for students K-12, the kit includes over 100 skill-based, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans for a single day event, a week long program, or an educational support group to last a portion of the summer. Training and consultation are also available to develop a sustainable program.
At these camps, children find what they may be missing at home: consistent routines, emotionally safe environments, and caring, responsible adults who are focused solely on their well-being. Structured days offer a sense of predictability and calm—something that is often lacking in homes affected by SUD. They can relax knowing they’ll be fed, guided, and supported.
Through programs created, youth learn:
• They are not alone, they didn’t cause it, they can’t cure it, but they can learn to cope with it.
• Skills such as problem solving, finding safety, and seeking supportive services.
• Coping skills, how build on their strengths, and to develop resilience to overcome their difficulties.
Explore how your organization can develop a children’s program, contact NACoA’s Director of Children’s Programs Peggy McGillicuddy>>
Florida’s Children’s Programing with the Hanley Foundation
NACoA has been partnering closely with Hanley Foundation in West Palm Beach, Florida to develop and deliver a new three-day Children’s Program designed for children ages 7-12 impacted by family addiction. This collaboration closely aligns with Hanley’s focus on full family recovery, complementing their five-day Family Program.
Grounded in NACoA’s evidence-informed philosophy and trauma-informed approach, this collaboration combines curriculum expertise, program development, staff training, and direct program facilitation to create a safe, engaging space where children can learn, connect, and build resilience. Together, NACoA and Hanley ensure the program not only supports children in understanding addiction and expressing their feelings, but also strengthens family connection through meaningful caregiver involvement and shared learning experiences.
CALL TO ACTION: Submit Testimony to the US Senate
in Support of Increased FASD Funding by May 22nd
The FASD Respect Act passed in 2025, but passing a law and funding its programs are two different things. Currently, the US Senate is finalizing its budget and approval for spending for 2027, and you can help ensure that the Senate funds FASD programs.
This testimony is in support of a $10 million increase in funding for:
• Public education and outreach so families are better connected to supports
• A national clearinghouse for best practices, screening tools, and interventions
• Technical assistance to help states and tribes build their capacity to address FASD
• Resources and supports to help those with FASD and their families.
FASD United has been a strong advocacy leader in making this possible, and created guidance about how to respond and give testimony to support the funding. Deadline to submit testimony is May 22. As a parent, self-advocate, researcher, professional, or organization, you can help influence decision-making so that children and families impacted by FASD are supported.
Children’s Safety During the Holiday Weekend
The Memorial Weekend often includes community festivals, live music, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly events. Unfortunately, it can also include the misuse of alcohol and/or other substances. The holiday weekend marks a significant seasonal spike in alcohol consumption, signaling the start of what traffic safety experts call “The 100 Deadliest Days” of summer for young people. Gathering with friends and family often introduces elevated safety hazards, specifically around driving, swimming, and hosting. Being child-focused and managing alcohol responsibly during the holiday protects both adults and children from severe, preventable injuries.
While relaxing and enjoying the holiday weekend, it is wise to consider alcohol use at festivities when kids and teens are present. As caring adults – especially parents – our actions speak louder than words. Remember, little eyes are watching and eager to mimic everything we do—including our choices about alcohol. Preteens and teenagers are paying very close attention to what is acceptable as they continue to learn about responsibility, self-awareness, and the impact of their choices. By choosing not to drink in front of our children, we set a powerful example of healthy living, responsible decision-making, and self-control.
Let’s lead by example, showing our children that joy, celebration, and relaxation come in many forms, none of which need to involve alcohol. Together, we can inspire the next generation to make wise choices by simply being mindful of our own. After all, the greatest lessons we teach our children are woven through the actions they observe every day.
NACoA provides helpful guidance, Safety First For Children Impacted By Addiction During Memorial Day Festivities so families can enjoy the weekend, and the summer, without putting children at risk. Wishing everyone a wonderful – and safe – Memorial Weekend!
National Prevention Week 2026: May 10-16
At the core of celebration is hope and possibility. Working together to support children most vulnerable to substance use – the children growing up in homes with parental substance use – we can provide great hope in all we do. National Prevention Week is a time to advocate about the importance of substance use prevention and well-being as we spotlight the incredible possibility in communities nationwide.
Kids and Teens impacted by parental substance use are at risk – eight times more likely – to develop the disease of addiction themselves. When we can help youth heal from this impact, we can replace this risk with resilience.
17-year-old Graham Nye, a teen whose father died last year due to alcohol use disorder, advises other teens: “I don’t drink and I don’t plan on drinking because of my Dad and his struggles. Because of the genetic link that is inherent in a lot of substance use disorders, I don’t even want to risk it. It’s a healthy choice I’m making to help ensure I break the cycle [of addiction].” Listen to his explanation of the Seven Cs, important support for youth and healing, and his three-part series Teen to Teen – Living with a Parent’s SUD. For additional information to support youth, visit NACoA’s Just 4 Teens.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Youth deserve to be mentally well – allowing them to think clearly, develop healthy relationships, learn, and develop self-confidence. As NACoA observes Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s essential to shed light on the unique experiences of those who grow up in the shadow of familial addiction. It is important to acknowledge the silent struggles of youth impacted by the addiction in their families (COAs) and support the resilience and emotional wellbeing that is possible. Together, we can be the voice of their experiences and advocate for better mental health support so COAs not only survive, BUT FLOURISH!
This month, NACoA is posting on social media important ways to support your brain and strengthen emotional wellness. Additionally, find affirmations written by teens for other teens to read when they are struggling, feel alone, or just need a reminder that they are OK.
