Texas Children's Program - Program Outline
Five Star Kids is offered in a
three-day format, Thursday through Saturday, from 10:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. each day. School excuses are provided for attendees during the school year.The children receive the same information
as in the four-day program, with adjustments in the daily
schedule. Parents/caregivers participate in program activities
on the third day. Groups are held at the Betty Ford Center Five Star Kids office in Irving, TX, as well as other community sites in the metroplex. Please call the Betty Ford Center Five Star
Kids at 972-751-0363 for more details.
| Program Overview |
| Day 1: |
The Disease of Addiction and It is Okay to Share My Feelings |
| Day 2: |
It’s Not Up to Me: I Didn’t Cause It and I Can’t Control It |
| Day 3: |
The Heart of Recovery:
Taking Care of Me |
| Program Description |
| Day 1: |
The Disease of Addiction and It’s Okay to Share My Feelings
After creating a safe, supportive environment, children
learn basic facts about the disease of
alcoholism and other drug dependency. Armed with accurate, age-appropriate information about addiction, youngsters begin to examine the impact this disease has had upon them by talking about it and sharing feelings. Children deepen their skills in identifying and expressing their feelings and breaking the “no talk” rule so prevalent in addicted families. For the first time, many children recognize they are not the only ones suffering from this family problem. |
| Day
2: |
It’s Not Up to Me: I Didn’t Cause It and I Can’t Control It
Through interactive games and activities children learn that family addiction is not their fault. They also come to realize it’s not up to them to stop the problems in their families. Through writing stories, composing letters to “Dear Addiction,” and creating artwork, children practice new ways to express themselves and positively cope. Children learn that instead of taking on adult responsibilities, it is important to just be a kid, make healthy choices and to celebrate themselves. |
| Day
3: |
The
Heart of Recovery: Taking Care of Me
Children learn a variety of ways to help take good care of
themselves and stay safe. Children come to understand
that it's okay to ask for help and identitfy safe people
and places. Children are also give the choice to share how addiction
has affected them with their parents or caretakers if they would like to. At
the end of the program, children participate in graduation
and receive a certificate, a special book, and other gifts
to help them remember the major messages of the program. |
A continuing care plan is provided after completion of the program.
Other follow-up activities include correspondence, e-mails,
telephone calls, a quarterly newsletter called Five Star Flash, the Beamer Series
and an annual Reunion Roundup. The Five Star Kids staff is available
as an ongoing resource to parents/caregivers who may need additional
referrals and guidance.
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Click on image to enlarge |
