Resources for Healthy Generations

The inter-connection of substance abuse, child welfare, and domestic violence are unhealthy inseparable partners. Working with substance abusing families in the child welfare arena is unfortunately most often intertwined with violence, both mentally and physically. This can be evident in neglectful behavior, verbal put downs, and the escalation to physical lashing out. Substance abuse is a powerful disease distorting reality and priorities. No parent chooses to have the disease of addiction or ever says they want to purposely hurt their children or their loved ones. Historical trauma combined with destructive patterns of behavior has created intergenerational grief and loss. Acknowledging that each community is unique, these resources are intended to build on each community’s strengths of today and the past. These efforts are intended to help families develop a sense of what is healthy for now and for future generations.