The Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County, a program of JRI that serves children, and individuals with intellectual disabilities, who have been victims or witness to violence, concluded today a two-day training session at the Venus de Milo in Swansea for youth organizations serving children impacted by substance use in their homes.  The training was led by experts from the National Association for Children of Addiction. 

Attendees, including youth-serving professionals, child care providers, and school personnel participated in community trauma sensitivity training to teach them how to recognize adverse childhood experiences, and understand how these impact families with substance use disorders (SUD).  Attendees were trained on ways to work with parents affected by SUD-related trauma to develop healthier parenting skills.

“We recognize that many of the children and families we serve have been impacted by substance use disorders.” stated Michelle Loranger, Executive Director of the CAC.  “We believe that this training is an important step in empowering local organizations with the skills they need to effectively support the health and well-being of children.”

The second day of the training included a “program kit day,” offering attendees tools and activities to facilitate supportive education for children impacted by SUD.  The training focused on building effective communicative strategies to help children address and process issues they experience each day, and coached participants on how to use these tools and strategies within their own organizations.

Financial support was offered by the CAC’s community health partners, Southcoast Health and Saint Anne’s Hospital.