Children learn to survive inside a family where confusion, denial and tension are a way of life. The home environment is filled with personalities, volatile circumstances and unpredictable events. In a violent and explosive atmosphere children and adults live with fear as the alcoholic or drug addicted parent becomes increasingly abusive. A Childs life becomes a wheel of confusion that is played over and over. In times of such conflict, young family members may retreat to the privacy of their ro

The chemically dependent parent is obsessed with his or her drug of choice. While at the same time the other parent is obsessed with the abusing parent. After everything has been said and done, there is little time left to form bonds or communicate with the child. Growing up in an abusive home with an abusive parent can affect a child’s life and everything in it. The experiences we have as young children are powerful in shaping our adult decisions and values. In essence we are where we have been.

In Kentucky, recent attempts have been made, by the state to combat problems that are spilling over into the schools because of violent and dysfunctional children several new programs have been implemented. Impact is one such program. Impact helps to coordinate service that allows a child with an emotional disability to receive care. The Big Sandy Regional Interagency Council and Stacey McQueen the local resource coordinator help implement this program.

Mascot -- usually the youngest child, constant displayer of humor or gist. May also be the eternally ill or frail child. He or she takes the focus off the system and its gravity.”

*Disassociation of affect: able to distance themselves from intense feelings.

Some topics in this essay:
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