Addiction is a family disease, and kids are impacted significantly by their family members addictions. Children living in these homes are often victims of neglect, instability, emotional physical and sexual abuse, and the impact on their education, behavior, mental health and self-esteem is devastating. These kids are four times more likely to become addicts as adults than other children and are a
t higher risk for emotional and behavioral problems. PITCH 4 KIDZ is designed to offer support and education to children and families. Mission statement: PITCH 4 KIDZ is dedicated to providing positive interventions targeting communication and healing for children living in families impacted by substance abuse. Program goals: PITCH is a 3-day workshop for children ages 6-12, designed to help break the multigenerational cycle of addiction and offer hope for family recovery and individual resilience. Through games, art, music, and other age appropriate activities, kids learn that their parents have a brain disease, and how to separate the disease from the person they love. Children are often conflicted; as they desire to love their parents, yet despise the behaviors associated with the disease. The unspoken rules in these families are don’t talk, don’t trust, and don’t feel. The program is designed to break those rules, helping children identify and express emotions appropriately, identify safe people they can talk to and offer self care and coping skills. In the process, participants learn that they are not alone; other families are experiencing similar situations. The group dynamic creates a safe environment for sharing feelings and learning new coping skills. The skills and lessons are geared toward building resilience, healthy communication, and social competence. By fostering honest communication, shameful feelings are reduced and children are empowered. Process: The PITCH program design is based on curricula outlined in the Children’s Program Kit published by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. PITCH staff members and volunteers implement games, role-play exercises, art, music, movies, and literature to impart information about the disease of addiction, treatment and recovery. This integrative approach allows children various forms of expression of feelings. Program Design: 3-day psycho-educational workshop (Fri-Sun, 8:30 am-2:30 pm) for children ages 6-12 years. The program is currently implemented with groups of up to 12 children per weekend session. Families meet together on Sunday to share experiences, learn a common language of addiction and recovery, coping skills, and set plans for healthy family interactions in a future focused on recovery. Ongoing support activities are offered monthly at minimal charge for the entire family to participate in activities designed to support recovery and reinforce messages learned in the initial workshop.
