This practical, quick reference guide helps caregivers understand and respond to the unique needs of children affected by parental substance use. The resource explains common trauma responses like hypervigilance, fight-flight-freeze reactions, and feelings of guilt and shame, reframing these behaviors as survival mechanisms rather than misbehavior. Caregivers will find concrete support strategies, including creating felt safety through consistency and co-regulation, fostering positive relationships, and building connections through play. Perfect for foster parents, kinship caregivers, and professionals working with children impacted by addiction, this guide offers trauma-informed approaches grounded in compassion and understanding.

 

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Author: Wisconsin Family Connections Center
Additional Author: Coalition for Children, Youth & Families