Caregiver/Community Resources

• 211 Child Care helps families find childcare options that meet their needs. Their services include referrals to licensed providers, financial assistance information, and guidance on early childhood programs.
• Connecticut’s Birth to Three system supports infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. Through everyday routines, they help children grow and reach their full potential with family-centered services.
• The Connecticut Office of Early Childhoodoversees programs and services that support young children, families, and early educators. They focus on childcare, home visiting, early intervention, and school readiness.
• Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs.  This program is sponsored by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood.  
• HUSKY Health provides Connecticut families with affordable healthcare coverage for children and eligible parents. Learn more about benefits, eligibility, and how to apply for state-sponsored insurance.
• Zero to Three offers expert-backed resources to help parents understand and support their child’s early development. Their guidance covers topics such as brain development, behavior, and early learning.
• The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides research-based tips for parents. Topics include child development, literacy, math, music, and fostering a love for learning at home.
• Middlesex Health offers programs such as Healthy Futures and Pregnant with Possibilities to support expecting parents and young families. These resources promote maternal health, early childhood well-being, and family stability.
• Child FIRST provides home visiting services for families with children ages 0-5 who have emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs. They also support families facing significant challenges such as poverty, maternal depression, and domestic violence.
• A Brighter Way, LLC: A Brighter Way, LLC offers Applied Behavior Therapy services in Haddam for children with Autism. They provide both in-center and in-home therapy to support developmental growth and behavioral skills .860-316-7437

Operation Parent:

Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that exists to empower parents and caregivers to fully engage in ongoing conversations with their K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health issues for purposes of prevention.

HKYFS has copies of the Operation Handbook for both elementary and middle/high school aged youth.   Please reach out to us at alli.behnke@hkyfs.org  to pick up a copy.

https://www.operationparent.org/

Wait Until 8

HKYFS has been partnering with the HK community to promote the Wait Until 8 Campaign!   Childhood is changing for children.  Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books, and hanging out with families is happening less to make room for snap chatting, instagramming, videogaming, and You-Tube.

This campaign provides information, resources, and an opportunity to come together as parents and caregivers to pledge to hold off until 8 grade for a smart device and even older for social media.   Check it out!

https://www.waituntil8th.org/

Roblox:

We often get asked about Roblox and its impact on kids.    Check out this great handout explaining more.

https://jedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Roblox_Parent-Guide_final.pdf

Operation Parent:

Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that exists to empower parents and caregivers to fully engage in ongoing conversations with their K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health issues for purposes of prevention.

HKYFS has copies of the Operation Handbook for both elementary and middle/high school aged youth.   Please reach out to us at alli.behnke@hkyfs.org  to pick up a copy.

https://www.operationparent.org/

Wait Until 8^th:

HKYFS has been partnering with the HK community to promote the Wait Until 8^th Campaign!   Childhood is changing for children.  Playing outdoors, spending time with friends, reading books, and hanging out with families is happening less to make room for snap chatting, instagramming, videogaming, and You-Tube.

This campaign provides information, resources, and an opportunity to come together as parents and caregivers to pledge to hold off until 8^th grade for a smart device and even older for social media.   Check it out!

https://www.waituntil8th.org/

Roblox:

We often get asked about Roblox and its impact on kids.    Check out this great handout explaining more.

https://jedfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Roblox_Parent-Guide_final.pdf

The JED Foundations Mental Health Resource Center

The JED Foundations Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a transition to adulthood.   This resource is a great one to share with your youth and utilize to spark conversations about topics impacting them!

https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-resource-center/

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Parent Movement 2.0

When it comes to preventing drug use among kids, parents are the most important factor. But access to a drug and the perception of its harm are two powerful Environmental Prevention factors that help reduce use as well.   Educating yourself about current trends and strategies for talking to your children is effective.   Visit our Prevention Section for more information about specific substances.

https://parentmovement2-0.org/

The JED Foundations Mental Health Resource Center

The JED Foundations Mental Health Resource Center provides essential information about common emotional health issues and shows teens and young adults how they can support one another, overcome challenges, and make a transition to adulthood.   This resource is a great one to share with your youth and utilize to spark conversations about topics impacting them!

https://jedfoundation.org/mental-health-resource-center/

Mindfulness for Teens:

This website provides resources and supports that might prove useful for teens.

https://www.mindfulnessforteens.com/

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention and crisis intervention nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ young people. They provide information & support to LGBTQ+ young people 24/7, all year round.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Parent Movement 2.0

When it comes to preventing drug use among kids, parents are the most important factor. But access to a drug and the perception of its harm are two powerful Environmental Prevention factors that help reduce use as well.   Educating yourself about current trends and strategies for talking to your children is effective.   Visit our Prevention Section for more information about specific substances.

https://parentmovement2-0.org/

Operation Parent:

Operation Parent is a national nonprofit that exists to empower parents and caregivers to fully engage in ongoing conversations with their K-12 children about technology, substance use, and mental health issues for purposes of prevention.

HKYFS has copies of the Operation Handbook for both elementary and middle/high school aged youth.   Please reach out to us at alli.behnke@hkyfs.org  to pick up a copy.

https://www.operationparent.org/

Access to evidence-based and accurate information about the substances most impacting our youth and families is important.   Below are just some of the helpful tools available.

 One Choice Prevention:

It is a myth that all teens “experiment” with substance use.

Did you know that nationwide  64% of high school seniors haven’t used any substances in the past month, and over 36% have never used them in their lifetime?  Check out our local data for 2023 HK statistics (Youth Prevention Work 2023).

More than ever, young people are making the One Choice to stay substance-free.

Discover how you can support teens in making the One Choice to stay substance-free.

https://www.onechoiceprevention.org/

Alcohol

https://www.drugfreect.org/alcohol/

https://www.madd.org/connecticut/

Tobacco/Vaping

https://teen.smokefree.gov/

https://www.drugfreect.org/vaping-and-smoking/

The My Life, My Quit program is a free and confidential service for teens who want help quitting all forms of tobacco including vaping. https://mylifemyquit.com/

Truth Initiative’s This is Quitting Program: This free mobile program is designed to help young people quit e-cigarettes. Resources are available for teens and young adults as well as parents.

Cannabis/Marijuana

 Cannabis/Marijuana Drug Facts: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana

Learn about Marijuana Risks: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)  https://www.samhsa.gov/marijuana

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) https://www.drugfreect.org/marijuana/

Counterfeit/Prescription Medications

https://www.youthinkyouknowct.org/

Parent’s Guide to Opioid Prevention

We know that opioid use has increased among youth and adults across our country.   Prevention starts early and this guide provides many strategies related to talking to your kids and building the foundation for healthy living and choices

https://preventiontrainingcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AParentsGuidetoOpioidUsePrevention.pdf

Talk to Kids About Important Things
Partnership to End Opioid Addiction
Demand Zero Opioid Overdoses
Prevention and Health Promotion Information on Vaping, Smoking, Suicide, Addiction

Recovering from a substance use disorder is courageous and brave. These resources offer a starting point for anyone in the early stages of recovery, looking for long-term support, or supporting a loved one. Never hesitate to reach out to HKYFS for more resources and connections to local services. preventioncoordinator@hkyfs.org

Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (D.M.H.A.S.) – Offers mental health and addiction services in Connecticut.
Call: (860) 418-7000
Hearing Impaired: (860) 418-6707
www.ct.gov/dmhas

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids – Provides resources and support for families dealing with substance use.
Call: (855) 378-4373
www.drugfree.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (S.A.M.H.S.A.) – A national resource for treatment referrals and mental health services.
24/7 Treatment Referral Line: (800) 662-4357
www.findtreatment.samhsa.org

Live Loud – Information and resources for individuals impacted by opioid use disorder.
www.liveloud.org

TriCircle – Helping individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.
Call: (860) 349-7074
tricircle.org/

Womens Reach – Offering outreach, short-term case management, recovery coaching, and resource connections for pregnant and parenting women with substance use or co-occurring disorders, as well as their partners, family, and supports.
​www.theconnectioninc.org/tags/womens-reach/

Substance Abuse Treatment Access Line: (800) 563-4086
Connecticut Crisis Services: (860) 344-2100; (860) 262-5220; Main#: (860) 262-5200;
Shoreline: (860) 358-3701

DMHAS Addiction Services Availability​ Website (Public CT detox, inpatient, recovery houses, sober houses, and walk in services)
Disclaimer: This website is for information only. Admission is not guaranteed even if availability is reported on this site. Call a program and complete their initial screening process for admission. Note: If a program shows no open beds, please call for waitlist options. Please consult each program’s page for 1115 Certification status.
https://www.ctaddictionservices.com/

Recovery Care Partner
Pre-treatment consultation and intervention services
https://recoverycarepartner.com/

IOP/OP Treatment in Connecticut:
Inspire Recovery- Mental health and substance use counseling, medication management for 18+, Ages 11+, couples. Accepts most major insurances
www.inspirerecoveryct.com

​The Ridge Recovery Center – Comprehensive recovery services for individuals facing substance use and mental health issues.
www.ridgerecovery.org

Rushford – A provider offering substance use and mental health treatment services across Connecticut.
www.rushford.org

High Watch – Residential addiction treatment offering holistic therapies and recovery support.
www.highwatchrecovery.org

Mountainside Treatment Center – A center dedicated to providing comprehensive addiction treatment with locations in Connecticut.
www.mountainside.com

Paramount Wellness Retreat – A private retreat offering personalized treatment for substance use and mental health issues.
www.paramountwellnesscenters.org

Connecticut Center for Recovery – Recovery-focused services offering medical and therapeutic treatment for addiction.
www.connecticutrecovery.org

Recovery Services of Connecticut – Comprehensive addiction recovery programs for individuals and families.
www.recoveryservicesct.com

Maryland Addiction Recovery Center (MD) – Specialized treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders.
www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com

Caron (PA) – Leading addiction treatment center providing programs for individuals and families.
www.caron.org

Surfside Recovery Services (NJ) – A New Jersey-based center offering recovery services for men struggling with substance use.
www.surfsiderecoveryservices.com

Newport Academy – Specialized treatment for teens struggling with substance use and mental health disorders.
www.newportacademy.com

Turnbridge – Comprehensive recovery programs for young adults and adolescents facing substance use and mental health challenges.
www.turnbridge.com

Eden Hill’s Transitional Living (Women Only) – Supportive transitional living for women in recovery.
www.edenhillrecoveryretreat.com

​EMMAUS Health – Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) with psychosocial nursing interventions and recovery coaching.
www.emmaushealthllc.com

The Phoenix – A free sober active community offering fitness classes, social events, and support for individuals in recovery. Programs include yoga, CrossFit, climbing, meditation, music, and more, available both in-person and virtually. Membership is free for anyone with at least 48 hours of sobriety.
Website: https://thephoenix.org/

​Homewaters Counseling and Consulting – We specialize in helping individuals and couples make meaningful changes towards recovery and answer the question: “Why do I keep doing this?” Sessions are virtual and offered outside of business hours for convenience.
info.homewaterscc@gmail.com
Call or Text: 860-263-9203

​​12-Step & Peer Support Groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Support for individuals recovering from alcohol addiction.
www.aa.org

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Support for individuals recovering from drug addiction.
www.na.org

Cocaine Anonymous (CA) – Support for individuals struggling with cocaine and other substances.
www.ca.org

Marijuana Anonymous (MA) – Support for individuals recovering from marijuana dependence.
www.marijuana-anonymous.org

Behavioral Addiction Support Groups:
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) – Support for individuals struggling with problem gambling.
www.gamblersanonymous.org

Gaming Addicts Anonymous (GAA) – Support for individuals recovering from video game addiction.
www.gamingaddictsanonymous.org

Internet & Tech Addiction Anonymous (ITAA) – Support for individuals struggling with internet and technology overuse.
www.internetaddictsanonymous.org

Spenders Anonymous (SA) – Support for individuals recovering from compulsive spending and shopping addiction.
www.spenders.org

Debtors Anonymous (DA) – Support for individuals struggling with compulsive debt and financial difficulties.
www.debtorsanonymous.org

SMART Recovery – Science-based support focusing on self-empowerment and behavior change.
www.smartrecovery.org

LifeRing Secular Recovery – Peer-run secular recovery program emphasizing personal responsibility.
www.lifering.org

Women for Sobriety (WFS) – Support program designed for women in recovery.
www.womenforsobriety.org

Recovery Dharma – Buddhist-inspired path to recovery through meditation and mindfulness.
www.recoverydharma.org

Al-Anon & Alateen – Support for families and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
www.al-anon.org

Nar-Anon – Support for families and loved ones affected by drug addiction.
www.nar-anon.org

Families Anonymous – Support for relatives and friends of individuals with substance use disorders.
www.familiesanonymous.org

GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) – Support for those who have lost a loved one to substance use disorder.
www.grasphelp.org

Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families (ACA) – Support for adults who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional households.
www.adultchildren.org

Codependents Anonymous (CoDA) – Support for individuals seeking healthy relationships and freedom from codependency.
www.coda.org

Love in the Trenches (LITT) – Support for parents of individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
www.loveinthetrenches.org

​Mindful Family Recovery, LLC – Founded by Karen Bernetti, Mindful Family Recovery supports families impacted by a loved one’s addiction. The program focuses on education, empowerment, and healing to help families navigate the challenges of substance use and foster recovery-oriented relationships.
Website: https://www.mindfulfamilyrecovery.com

Safe-Spot– SafeSpot is the nation’s first and only professionalized 24/7 peer-led overdose detection and prevention hotline. SafeSpot connects people who are using drugs with a trained operator who can call for help in case of overdose.
If you are looking for virtual spotting services, please call the helpline at: 1-800-972-0590
Website: ​safe-spot.me/

Connecticut Harm Reduction Alliance – Provides statewide harm reduction services including naloxone distribution, overdose prevention training, sterile syringe distribution/collection, safer smoking kits, condoms, outreach, and connection to care and support services for people who use drugs.
Website: www.ghhrc.org/

ACT (Advancing Connecticut Together) Harm Reduction – Offers syringe services, naloxone access and training, safer sex materials, HIV/Hepatitis C testing, risk reduction education, and referrals to treatment and social supports through mobile outreach in Hartford and surrounding areas. ​
Website: https://act-ct.org/harm-reduction.html

Middletown Harm Reduction Initiative – Community-based distribution of harm reduction supplies (including safer use kits and naloxone), overdose response training, advocacy, and awareness for individuals and families in Middlesex County.
Website: https://middletownhri.org/services

Alliance for Living – Syringe Services Program (SSP) – Harm reduction services providing sterile injection equipment, wound care kits, naloxone and overdose prevention education, safer sex supplies, HIV/Hepatitis C testing, and referrals to medical and social supports.
Website: https://www.allianceforliving.org/syringe-services-program

National Harm Reduction Coalition– NHRC began launching grassroots efforts to support members of their communities who were dying from this brutal disease.
Website and Resources: https://harmreduction.org/resource-center/harm-reduction-intersects/

While exciting, the start of a new school year can also be challenging with new teachers, friends, and expectations. Identify ways to support children and teens in your life: check in daily, share a meal together, and start conversations. Parents and caregivers: remember that you are role models for your kids and the other young people you care about.

DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST

How can you help keep kids safe?

• Have conversations about staying safe: wear a seatbelt, use a helmet, don’t drive or walk distracted (e.g., with a cell phone), be careful on social media, and limit screen time.
• Monitor and lock up substances in your home, including any alcohol, THC/cannabis, Rx drugs, and over-the-counter medications.
• Make a plan together so your child knows how to get out of a risky situation (don’t get in a car with an impaired driver, don’t walk alone at night, practice refusal skills to steer clear of substances).

Are you ready to support the mental health of youth in your life?

• Practice self-care and healthy coping strategies and model them for the kids in your life.
• Some people use substances to change how they feel, but substance use often makes mental health challenges worse.
• Many people struggle from time to time. It’s ok to not be ok, but it’s important to get help!

Are you ready to set goals and establish expectations for the school year?

• Balance looks different for every child and every family. Help your child find balance with homework, social activities, work, extracurriculars, family time, etc.
• Review and set family expectations for staying healthy: screen time, sleep, nutrition, activities, etc.
• Reflect on the past school year: what went well? What would you do differently?

How can you encourage the youth in your life to build healthy relationships?

• Get to know the people in your kids’ lives. Who are they spending time with?
• Start a conversation about what makes a good friend. How can your child be that friend to others?
• Remind young people that friends help one another to be kind and to stay healthy and safe.

Are you ready to prevent youth substance abuse?

• While it may not always feel like it, parents and caregivers have a powerful influence on teen behavior: what you say and do matters.
• Substance use is unhealthy for the developing brain. Make clear your expectations of NO youth use of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other drugs.
• Talk about substance use as a health priority. Not using before age 21 is the health standard for youth.
• Prevention isn’t a single conversation: talk early and talk often.

The National Parenting Education Network (NPEN) – Offers resources for parents and those who work with families, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and healthy development.
www.npen.org

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – Provides guidelines, articles, and resources on child health, parenting, and mental health.
www.aap.org

Parenting with Love and Logic – Offers strategies for raising responsible, confident children by teaching parents effective discipline and communication skills.
www.loveandlogic.com

The Child Mind Institute – A leading resource for information on children’s mental health, including parenting strategies and advice on managing challenging behaviors.
www.childmind.org

Zero to Three – Focuses on early childhood development, offering parenting tips and developmental resources for families with children from birth to age 3.
www.zerotothree.org

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – A network that provides resources for parents to understand and support children who have experienced trauma.
www.nctsn.org

Child Development Institute – Offers expert parenting advice and tips for parents of children at all stages of development.
www.childdevelopmentinfo.com

The Center for Parenting Education – Provides research-based resources and tips for supporting healthy parenting.
www.parenting-ed.org

​​Postpartum Support International – The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.
https://postpartum.net/

HKYFS offers case management and referral services to help connect youth, families, and other community members to services, support, and resources. This process offers a space for families to share the challenges they are facing and work with HKYFS staff to access support and referrals. Anyone can refer, including self-referrals. Please contact us at 860-345-7498 or info@hkyfs.org for more information

Connecting to Care CT – A statewide initiative designed to help families understand, navigate, and access children’s behavioral and mental health services in Connecticut. The platform offers tools to locate local providers, learn about care coordination, and explore trauma-informed school mental health programs. It is a collaborative effort among state agencies, providers, and communities to build an accessible and coordinated system of care for children and their families.
Website: https://www.connectingtocarect.org

Parenting Neurodivergent Kids
Learn about IEPs and 504 Plans – A comprehensive resource offering guidance for individuals caring for loved ones with mental illness, covering topics like legal rights, insurance options, workplace protections, and self-care.
Website: https://mhanational.org/resources/caregiver-basics-what-you-need-to-know/

ADHD & ADD – A resource page offering comprehensive information on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in children and adults, including causes, symptoms, treatment options, and support.
Website: https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/adhd-and-add/