KIDS Support Groups in Brazil

5% of the population in Brazil is affected by alcohol addiction which often leads to the fact that many kids and teens know alcohol and drugs from their everyday life. 

A child should never accept the use of drugs as a normal part of their daily routine. But this can happen through environmental influences such as their addicted father or mother as their role model. Substance abuse has a direct influence on the development of a child and children of addicts have a predisposition to become addicted as well. The social system often forgets that prevention work is extremely important to stop the circle of repeating social injustice. 

The KIDS Supports Groups programs in Brazil give children of alcohol-dependent parents a place where they are able to acquire a more positive outlook on life and help kids in coping with their family situation. At weekly meetings, while their parents are attending therapeutic sessions, children are encouraged to talk in a child friendly context about their problems. Blue Cross teachers support them in developing coping mechanisms and prevent them from sliding into alcohol or drug dependence themselves.

The goal of the Blue Cross Brazil is to have 39 KIDS Support Groups until the end of 2018. Last year they reached the number of 30 groups. The groups are growing in popularity and the demand for new groups is rising. 

In addition to the expansion of the structures for kids, another important target group will be supported next year: TEENS. The leader team saw a great need for this vulnerable age group, because in the phase life from 12 - 16 identity-finding and peer group pressures are reality. Since teens see substance abuse in their homes frequently the danger that addiction patterns in families will be repeated is high. Similar to the KIDS Support Groups the TEENS Support Groups will have the goal to create an environment where the adolescents can develop important life skills, i.e. how to handle the family situation and to discover their strengths and personality. The first step of the new project is to find volunteer leaders to implement the activities. The project is also in need of physical resources and materials like a car for the visitors, a sound box, microphone and a computer.

Promoting an area of welcome, coexistence and orientation for children and teens affected by drug consumption as a strategy of prevention and care for people in situations of social vulnerability and risk is the goal of the projects. The KIDS Support Groups and soon the TEENS Support Groups will help to stop repeating addiction patterns in families in Brazil.

KIDS Support Group in Brazil