DRUG-ENDANGERED CHILDREN
ABOUT DRUG-ENDANGERED CHILDREN (DEC)
Wayne and Holmes Counties face significant challenges related to substance use and its impact on children, including high rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, parental substance abuse or incarceration, and substance use by children themselves. These issues increase the risk of long-term behavioral and physical health and substance use problems for affected youth, who often lack timely resources for treatment. In response, we have formed working groups, such as "Drug Endangered Children," to prioritize prevention, early identification and intervention, and resilience-building strategies, with a focus on collaboration among law enforcement, caregivers, and child welfare, health, and education professionals. We utilize the National DEC approach for our collaborative work.
1 IN 4 CHILDREN
LIVE WITH A CAREGIVER WITH A SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER.
OUR VISION
Our vision is a community where every single at-risk child in Wayne and Holmes counties is identified early and supported through a prompt, efficient, coordinated, trauma-informed network that engages families, youth, and partners to break the cycle of substance abuse and nurture thriving, safe, supportive, healthy environments. We are committed to elevating community awareness and education, ensuring every child grows up free from the harms of substance abuse while strengthening the bonds that build resilient, healthy futures.
RESOURCES
THERE IS
HOPE.
If you are a parent struggling with addiction, please know there is hope.
Upcoming Community Training
Interested in scheduling? Email us at hdean@whmhrb.org
YOUTH SERVICES
List of Services
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Catholic CharitiesList Item 1
Rise Above Teen/Parent Group (Ages 11-17)
Eight-week program focusing on family communication, emotional regulation, substance use awareness, and suicide prevention.
Free dinner provided, Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Catholic Charities Wayne County, 215 S. Walnut St., Wooster, OH.
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Individual TF-CBT Therapy with Virtual Reality (VR) Component (Ages 8+)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions utilizing VR exercises to reinforce trauma processing and treatment retention.
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Anazao
TF-CBT Group for Adolescents (Ages 12-18) & Caregivers
Trauma-Focused CBT group with parental involvement in parallel sessions. Trauma narrative completed in individual therapy.
Free dinner provided
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Individual TF-CBT Therapy with Virtual Reality (VR) Component (Ages 8+)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions utilizing VR exercises to reinforce trauma processing and treatment retention.
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for Young Children (Ages 2-7)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based, trauma-informed intervention designed to improve parent-child relationships, strengthen attachment, and reduce behavioral challenges in young children ages 2 to 7. It is especially effective for families impacted by substance use, trauma, and disrupted caregiving environments.
PCIT involves real-time coaching, where therapists guide parents through structured interactions, teaching positive reinforcement strategies, consistent discipline techniques, and emotion regulation skills. The therapy is conducted in two phases:
Child-Directed Interaction (CDI): Focuses on enhancing attachment by encouraging warm, nurturing communication and praise-based engagement.
Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI): Equips caregivers with consistent, trauma-sensitive discipline strategies to address behavioral concerns effectively.
For families affected by substance use and trauma, PCIT helps rebuild trust, improve emotional stability, and strengthen caregiver confidence in managing behavior and promoting healthy development.