Carolyn DiPaolo
Children are often the first people affected by addiction and the last treated.
Why it matters: That concept is driving the Hanley Foundation to launch its first child-centered program for families rocked by drug or alcohol abuse.
Driving the news: Hanley is working with the National Association for Children of Addiction and author and speaker Jerry Moe on its new offering.
- Moe helped create the “Sesame Street” Muppet character Karli, whose family is dealing with addiction.
- He spent most of his career at the renowned Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California.
Last week, Moe spoke about the new program at Hanley Foundation’s West Palm Beach auditorium on 45th Street.
What he’s saying: “Children don’t make people they love use drugs, and, unfortunately, they can’t make them stop.”
Moe says the three-day session will help children identify safe people around them and guide them on self care for their body, mind, feelings and spirit amid family chaos.
The tools help children (and former children) prevail despite the fact that not everybody gets well from this disease.
- “Safe people can help you,” said Moe, whose speaking style evokes Fozzie Bear. “And it’s OK to be a kid.”
Hanley’s new program is designed for:
- Small groups of 7- to 12-year-olds.
- Children with a family history of addiction.
- Any qualified participant, regardless of ability to pay.
Traditionally, Alateen, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and individual counseling have been Hanley’s primary resources for young people.
What’s next: Dr. John Dyben, Hanley’s director of research and innovation, is fielding questions from potential group leaders and volunteers.
- Hanley plans to launch the kids program in November.
I am a co-founder, writer and editor for Stet News. I am also a former senior editor at The Palm Beach Post. For 20 years, I oversaw some of the most consequential stories published by the paper, including the “Corruption County” reporting project that led to multiple arrests of elected officials. I am a member of the Leadership Palm Beach County Class of 2013. I live in West Palm Beach with my husband, Bill DiPaolo.
