For those working with families affected by substance use, mental illness, and trauma, The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery provides a structured program through which parents can explore their own histories, understand forces affecting their families, and build skills to help their families recover.
This training will present information on the 3rd edition of the curriculum, with sections designed for fathers and men, as well as on our NP Guide for Individual Use—suggestions and examples for using the NP with individuals and families.
Though done in an online setting, this training continues to embody the spirit of the original in-person training and includes experiential activities, games in both large and small breakout groups.
Because this is an experiential training, come prepared to join in and learn facilitation of the curriculum by participating. We strongly encourage participants to keep cameras on throughout the training.
This training will also introduce Building Resiliency in Kids (BRiK), a curriculum designed for children in families affected by substance use, mental illness and domestic violence. The program is intended to help children find their voice, strengthen self-esteem, promote resiliency, break the secret of abuse in the family, and help children learn skills to protect themselves.
The Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery has been used successfully as a component of substance use treatment in both treatment and family service settings, and can be used with groups or individuals. It was chosen to be part of the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) and is listed on the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare.
While it is not a requirement, participants are encouraged to pre-order a copy of the curriculum prior to the training. This provides the opportunity to follow along with material presented and become more familiar with the curriculum layout.
Who should attend:
- Residential Program Staff
- Parent Educators
- Social Workers
- Parenting Group Leaders
- Substance Use Counselors
- Mental Health Counselors
- Early Intervention Professionals
- Early Childhood & Family Service Agency Professionals
Next session: October 12 & 13, 2023
A link to the Zoom web training will be sent to registrants. Please bring paper and pens to the training. If you have markers, we invite you to have them accessible, though they are not required.

Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery
The 3rd edition of the Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery includes three new segments specifically designed for men and fathers. It also incorporates a framework for understanding parent and child behavior in the context of substance use, disruptions to attachment and child development. It is a psycho-educational, 20 session, group-based parenting curriculum and specifically addresses the impact of these experiences on parents and children. The curriculum is included on SAMHSA'S National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP). For more information visit: NREPP.SAMHSA.gov.
Cancellations
Due to increased interest, we have added more frequent trainings and are working to keep the number of participants at a good size for an online interactive training. This means we often have a waitlist.
Therefore, if you are not able to attend, we ask out of courtesy to the other participants that you let us know at least 3 days in advance so that we can offer the spot to someone on the waitlist.
CEUs
CEUs will not be offered. This training will provide certificates of attendance.
Cost
This virtual training is offered free of charge for residents and agencies within Massachusetts. For out-of-state participants there is a charge of $150 per day attended. For any questions, please contact Laryssa Dussuau at laryssadussuau@healthrecovery.org.
Schedule: 09:00a – 04:30p (Eastern)
09:00a – 10:15a
Session 1
10:15a – 10:40a
Break
10:40a – Noon
Session 2
Noon – 01:00p
Lunch
01:00p – 02:15p
Session 3
02:15p – 02:40p
Break
02:40p – 04:30p
Session 4
Topics
Day 1
- Relational Principles
- Facilitation Skills
- Nurturing Hope
- Human Growth & Trust
- Family Dynamics: Effects of Substance Use on Families
- Feelings
- Opening and Closing Rituals
Day 2
- Self-Esteem
- Communication
- Facilitation Skills
- Stress Management
- Guiding Behavior
- Individual Guide, Father's Sessions and BRIK
- Love, Loss and Healing
- Play in Recovery