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Parents struggling with addiction may feel pulled in multiple
CASA directions. Their disease is telling them to keep using but their

heads are telling them they need to care for their children.
Court Appointed
According to Lesa Lee, “Families may be torn apart by a loss
Special Advocate
of custody and a strong desire for that family member to get

better. This may trigger a deep desire for an addict to change.
CASA of Caroline encourages and supports healthy families. But the challenge for many people is understanding that the
Unfortunately, many families struggle with Substance Use addict has to get better for themselves. Recognizing the stress
Disorder (SUD) and addiction. From 2000 to 2017 there was a and struggles that the addiction has on the family is very
147% increase in foster care entries in the United States due to important, but treatment is most successful when the individual
parents’ drug use, according to a 2019 study from the Adoption makes a conscious decision and is committed to making the
and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and change for themselves versus for someone else.”
published in the medical journal JAMA Pediatrics. Many of
those foster care entries resulted from authorities determining Our foster care system was designed to provide support for
the parents’ drug use inhibited adequate care for their children. parents when they are temporarily unable to meet their child’s
In other cases, the parents faced incarceration or worse – an needs. At CASA of Caroline, when a child is placed in the foster

overdose resulting in death. It is clear substance use and addic- care system, our initial plan is always reunification when it is

tion have a tremendous impact on families, especially their in the child’s best interest. We support efforts to help parents
most vulnerable members – the children. with SUD reach recovery so their children can remain safely
in their care. “CASA volunteers now receive far more training
When a parent loses custody of their child, there is a great sense and continuing education on topics of drug abuse, addiction
of shame. When a person is struggling with addiction, there is and treatment,” said Shelly Kulp, Executive Director at CASA
a great sense of shame. When a parent loses custody of their of Caroline. “CASA volunteers spend a great amount of time
child because of addiction, the shame is almost unbearable. In with each child they serve and know firsthand what the child

the words of noted researcher and motivational speaker Brene is experiencing. We remind our volunteers to be compassion-
Brown, “Shame survives on secrets, silence and judgement.” So ate and non-judgmental, especially when serving children of
how do we stop the cycle of shame and keep families together? parents with drug and alcohol addiction.”
“It is so important for the family of an addict to get support. Just as airlines tell parents to put on their own oxygen mask

Just as shame can impact a person struggling with addiction, first, we encourage parents to make sure their own mental and
it can also impact the family,” says Lesa Lee, Clinical Director physical health are in good shape before trying to care for their
at For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center. children. There is no shame in asking for help. It’s OK to admit

“Keeping a secret and remaining silent can cause people to feel you need help putting on your own oxygen mask. “If you are a
lonely, scared and isolated.” She encourages those struggling person struggling with or impacted by addiction, be brave, be
with addiction or impacted by addiction to seek support from vulnerable, and be kind to yourself,” says Lesa Lee. “Kindness
family, friends, therapy, and/or a support group. “NA (Narcotics and empathy are the antidote to shame. Remember that bravery
Anonymous) and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) are powerful

supports in our community which offer a sense of connection

and acceptance.” There are also Alanon and Alateen support
groups available for friends and families of addicts.
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