One in five adult Americans lived with an alcoholic while growing up. These Children of Alcoholics (COAs) are four times more likely than others to abuse substances themselves. Addiction is a thief of childhood.

Families affected by substance abuse have higher levels of conflict than non-substance abuse families. Addiction becomes the primary focus in family life. The environment for children of alcoholics is characterized by lack of parenting, poor home management, and lack of family communication, thereby effectively robbing children of a good role model or training on parenting skills or family effectiveness. Addicted parents lack the ability to provide structure or discipline in family life, but simultaneously expect their children to be competent at life skills earlier than do non-substance abusing parents. This creates confusion, anxiety, anger, guilt and ultimately depression in these children.

According to the National Association for Children of Alcoholics, children of addicted parents:

* Have increased family conflict, emotional or physical violence, decreased family cohesion, decreased family organization, increased family isolation, increased family stress including work problems, illness, marital strain and financial problems, and frequent family moves;
* Have higher rates of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and develop depression or have thoughts of suicide;
* Score lower on tests measuring school achievement, have higher absenteeism and are more likely to repeat a grade or drop out of school;
* Are more likely to enter foster care and stay longer in foster care than other children;
* Display a lack of empathy for others, decreased social adequacy and interpersonal adaptability, low self-esteem, and lack of control over the environment.

While there is an abundance of treatment centers as well as recovery supports for addicted adult and their adult family members in the Palm Beach county area, there are very few organizations providing services to children. There are even fewer who provide services to children under the age of 12 years.

The Wayside House staff is trained to observe special areas of need these family members may exhibit. Concerns may include substance abuse, problem behavior, poor socialization skills, unexpressed or inappropriately expressed anger, health, employment or educational needs. If a concern or need arises, the family may be scheduled to discuss the concerns to get appropriate referral and resolution.

The Wayside House Cocoon Children & Family Center opened its doors Saturday, May 10, 2008. The programs at the center target three core areas: Children and Teen Life Skills, Effective Parenting, and Family Dynamics.

To accommodate as many client schedules as possible, The Cocoon Center is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. All staff are licensed or certified professionals