Dear Educators, Faculty, School Volunteers, and Parents of School-Aged Kids & Teens,

For years, NACoA has partnered with schools—providing insight, resources, and compassion-driven tools to support children impacted by parental substance use disorders. These children often go unseen, but in truth, 1 in 4 children today is living in the shadow of a parent’s substance use. Further, it is estimated that 1 in 20 students are impacted by FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders), a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth.

This August, we’re proud to launch our Tools for Educators, a refreshed and expanded version of our renowned Kit for Educators. It provides a set of resources designed to deepen understanding, support emotional safety, and empower you to be a safe, supportive adult for children of parental addiction (COAs).

These tools will help:

• Broaden your awareness of the signs and needs of children living with family addiction
• Offer trauma-sensitive language and strategies for the classroom
• Create healing-centered spaces where children can learn, grow, and trust

Youth spend countless hours each week at school—it may be the only place they feel safe. As an adult in the school setting, you hold the power to help a child begin to heal, feel seen, and believe in their future.

Thank you for all you do. We invite you to explore and share these new tools as part of your commitment to every child’s wellbeing. Please share this resource with fellow faculty. Parents, provide this to your school’s administration and let them know you care about supporting these students. Wishing you all a wonderful school year ahead.

Remember NACoA is here to help. Feel free to subscribe to our monthly newsletter that provides news, additional resources, and support for caring adults helping COAs all year long.