Hello Kim,
My suggestion would be to go to the heart of the issue, "the addicts". I am not sure if the county already conducts serveys for parents entering cps and family wellness court. As well as parent or non parents entering the criminal justice system. However I know first hand the affect ACE has on a child, i also know first hand the connection it has with drug and alcohol abuse. Every case, every child, every situation is different, but the fact is when a child experiences trama in any form, it affects them. In verious ways. A child may act out and people may or may not see the cries for help. But what can really be done? But if an adult cries out for help, due to childhood cries unheard or ununderstood. They are punished by the law or society. Because they "know right from wrong". Hurt people, hurt people. Untill the (adult) victims stop being victims and ending the cycle of abuse in any form, it will continue. Adults are the only ones who can mold a child. I stoped saying why me and blaming what my father did for my behavior. And gave my childern a chance to end the cycle by being honest with them about my addiction and the damage it has done to me, I will do everything in my power to show my kids no matter what others do, it does not dictate who you are or will become. I feel if addicts are aware of what they are truly doing to their childern and could some how stop trying to mask their pain or truly accept it. They can help stop the cycle, maybe not complety but I know if someone told me before I ever took drugs or slept with men I didnt love, it will never take my pain away. I had to walk through it, I had to tell my father the pain he inflicted. But I Am also stronger for facing it and knowing he or nothing else has power over me. A child has to know he or she is safe and protected. Stangers can do it, but it will never be the same as a parent. Or when they can feel they are able to keep them self safe