What is Kids Count?

Kids Count is a chemical abuse prevention program designed for children who grow up or have been affected by the disease of alcoholism/chemical dependency in their family.

Children have very little opportunity to express feelings, share common experiences, and build self esteem. In some cases, they have no opportunity at all, because they are living in chemically dependent family structures. From that structure, comes a display of characteristics that present low trust levels, low self-worth, inconsistent behavior and an inability to develop primary relationships.

The Van Ost Institute offers support groups that teach children how to talk about their feelings, increase self-worth, develop better communication skills, and understand that they are not to blame if members of their family are chemically dependent. We teach them how to cope with stress, and help them to understand consequences for decision making procedures, thereby enabling them to move from a high risk category, into gaining some control over their lives.

Who is eligible for this program?

Any child ages 6 to 12 who has at least one parent (or parent substitute) in treatment with us.

What kind of program is Kids Count?

Kids Count is a 12 week program. The first week you and your parent will meet with your group leader. The next 10 weeks you will meet in a group with other kids like yourself, ages 6-12 . On the last week you and your parents come together with the other kids and their parents to share with you parents what you have learned. Children often repeat the program more than one time, learning more at each session.

What will we be doing in the group?

In the group you will learn about making goals, making choices, feelings, defenses, chemical dependency and families. The information will be explored through games, discussions, poetry, music, art therapy and films.

Kids count includes these goals:

1.	To provide education about alcoholism, and drug addiction as a family illness.
2.	To develop in a child a healthier personal outlook, enable her/him to recognize and deal with their feelings, especially quilt and shame.
3.	To provide alternative behaviors in order to build self-esteem, and to increase personal awareness.
4.	To build a sense of trust and consistency with adults.
5.	To reconnect them to their "childhood" as stronger individuals.

Kids Count is a safe and confidential place for young children to share "the family secret" and learn more about how to manage their young lives in situations that are often difficult but can provide the measure of joy that each child deserves.

Each cycle will end with a Parents Night. Please help your child arrive and leave on time.

When does Kids Count Meet?

Kids Count meets every Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Van Ost Institute.