Mission and History

about COAF

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COAF MISSION AND HISTORY

The Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF) – formerly the Children of Alcoholics Foundation – was established in 1982 to help children and adults from addicted families. The Foundation was created in response to a ground swell of public interest following the publication of a landmark report and the New York State Governor’s Conference on the issue. With letters and phone calls for help and information pouring in from children, parents, and professionals, the Foundation was formed.

COAF’s mission is to help children of all ages from alcoholic and substance abusing families reach their full potential by breaking the cycle of parental substance abuse and reducing the pain and problems that result from parental addiction. To realize this goal, COAF, an affiliate of Phoenix House since 1997, develops curriculum and other educational materials, writes reports, provides information about parental substance abuse for the general public, trains professionals, and promotes research.

While COAF reaches thousands of children of substance abusers each year, it is not possible to work directly with the millions in need. So the Foundation focuses its efforts on community-based professionals, agencies, and institutions, providing them with specialized training programs, state-of-the-art materials, and critical information to build powerful support networks at the local level. Armed with new skills and knowledge, these community leaders can in turn help vulnerable children.

In support of this effort, COAF has developed an extensive library of materials on parental addiction. This library includes a wide range of curricula and reference materials, books and prevention materials about parental substance abuse and its effects on families. Some examples include: Twice at Risk (a report on children from families confronting both parental substance abuse and family violence), Discovering Normal (a parenting program for adult children of alcoholics), and Pandora’s Box (a guidebook for pediatric health care professionals on how to talk about sensitive family issues with children and their parents).

COAF’s Professional Training Institute (PTI) complements its library of materials. Through trainings to professionals and paraprofessionals who work with children, youth or young adults, the PTI helps ensure an effective support system for young people who live in families that struggle with substance abuse. In recognition of the high quality of COAF’s course offerings, the NYS Office on Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services has certified COAF as a training provider. As such, all courses offered by COAF in New York State are applicable toward the CAC (Certified Alcoholism Counselor) and CASAC (Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) credentials.

COAF also offers HelpLink (1-800-359-COAF), a 24-hour service that provides information and referrals to thousands of children of substance abusers, concerned friends and family, and professionals each year. Those who call or write get personalized responses and referrals to nearby support programs, as well as printed booklets and other materials. This website is another resource for people looking for information.

In recognition of its groundbreaking accomplishments, COAF has won numerous professional awards, as well as citations and commendations from state and local governments and the United States Congress. Its programs and materials are highly respected and effective, and have received accolades from both professionals and community groups.