Betty Ford Center Expands Children's Program Amid Rising Need

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The Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, California is expanding its children's services as the number of young people affected by addiction continues to grow. The center's specialized program is designed to help children better understand addiction, build resilience, and connect with others facing similar challenges. Program leaders say one of the most powerful aspects is showing kids they are not alone and that their parent's addiction is not their fault.

Why it matters

Nearly one in four children in the U.S. lives with a parent struggling with a substance use disorder, a reality that local leaders say is becoming more visible in the Coachella Valley. The Betty Ford Center's children's program aims to provide these young people with the tools and support they need to cope with the emotional stress and confusion caused by a parent's addiction.

The details

The Betty Ford Center's children's program is not covered by insurance and relies heavily on donor support to continue serving families. Staff say their goal is to reach even more children nationwide, providing them with the resources to heal. The program has expanded beyond the Rancho Mirage location to additional sites in Colorado and Minnesota.

• The Betty Ford Center has long focused on family-centered healing.
• The children's program has since expanded beyond the desert to additional locations in Colorado and Minnesota.

What’s next

The Betty Ford Center plans to continue expanding its children's program to reach even more families affected by addiction nationwide.