WEST CHESTER, PA — Chester County is using nearly $70,000 in state funding to provide recovery education for families affected by substance use disorder, extending support beyond individuals receiving treatment to relatives and caregivers helping them navigate recovery.
The county’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Services outlined the initiative during an October 27 meeting at the Government Services Center with Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs Secretary Latika Davis-Jones, community prevention providers and representatives of state lawmakers.
The effort includes two programs offered in partnership with Be a Part of the Conversation, a prevention education organization. The Family Learning Series has reached more than 1,000 Pennsylvania residents, while an additional 600 Chester County residents have received training to support loved ones in recovery while addressing their own needs.
The county also offers a Family Recovery Course supported by nearly $70,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The three-part educational program serves parents and caregivers whose children, regardless of age, have experienced substance use disorder or related challenges.
The course focuses on understanding addiction, improving family communication, supporting recovery and connecting participants with support groups and other resources.
Jamie Johnson, director of Chester County Drug and Alcohol Services, attributed the course’s development to conversations with families who continued to struggle after helping relatives enter treatment.
“Conversations with families who, even after helping a loved one enter treatment, still felt overwhelmed and unsure what to do helped shape the direction of the Family Recovery Course,” Johnson explained.
The state funding provides financial and programmatic support for the course, which is designed to equip family members with practical skills for participating in a loved one’s recovery.
Kim Porter, executive director of Be a Part of the Conversation, described the program as a resource for families seeking guidance while managing the effects of addiction.
“When participants tell us these three sessions changed their path, it reminds me why this work matters and needs to continue,” Porter stated.
Representatives from the offices of state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten and state Sen. Katie Muth also attended the October 27 discussion, along with members of the county’s Drug and Alcohol Services Advisory Council and community prevention providers.
The programs form part of Pennsylvania’s and Chester County’s investment in family-focused substance use services, emphasizing education and sustained support for people whose relatives are experiencing addiction or recovery.
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