Sesame Street launches web series to aid families dealing with parental addiction

WASHINGTON (SBG) —Sesame Street has launched a new webinar series to tackle a tough subject.

You may remember the children's show late last year introducing a character named Karli, a 6-year-old Muppet, whose mother struggles with substance abuse and addiction.

The new series is expanding an existing initiative,Sesame Street in Communities (SSIC), to help children "overcome the trauma of parental addiction." It's aimed at child and family therapists, first responders, community leaders and other similar providers.

Kids will have access to videos, activity sheets (meant for young children and adults) and other educational resources, all of which are free and in both English and Spanish.

"Parental addiction is an incredibly difficult and isolating situation faced by millions of young children and their families," said Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop's Senior Vice President, US Social Impact. "Our resources are designed to help those families build hope for the future–and support networks of service providers are a vitally important part of the equation."

The first webinar has passed already, but there are three remaining monthly sessions, according to the press release:

• August 26 – In Parental Addiction: Healing Families Together, Jerry Moe, national director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Children's Program, will offer resources and strategies that family therapists may use in their work with families.
• September 30 – Jac Charlier, executive director of the Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) Center for Health and Justice will build awareness and provide new approaches for first responders.
• October 28 – A faith-based leader will share how faith communities can support children and families affected by parental addiction.

You can learn more here.