Cause + Effect

You've seen the shocking numbers, and now you want to know why.

Why can't 5,000 Greenville children live with their parents?

Why are 2,400 Greenville families torn apart by domestic assaults every year?

Why are 1,300 children in Greenville neglected or abused every year?

If you were asked who is your greatest support network, who ensured you got a good education, who provided for you, and who nurtured you and made you who you are today; chances are your answer would be your parents. That's how it is for most people. But for 5,000 children in Greenville, parents just aren't a part of their daily lives. These kids have been forced from their homes at an early age, to live with other relatives, in the foster care system, or in group facilities. Why? Well, our research tells us that addiction in the home is responsible for most of these collapsed families. Addicted parents can't parent, and the children are put at severe risk.

When we talk to non-profit and government professionals who are working on the front lines to glue these families back together, they tell us that 65-80% of Greenville's child neglect and abuse, domestic assault, and social services caseload is generated from homes where addiction is present The problem is a huge drain on resources, and unfortunately, the numbers haven't been improving.

Even after the bruises fade, children in our community are left with severe emotional and behavioral issues that affect their abilities to connect with and trust others, they are ill-prepared for the classroom and quickly fall behind, and they are more likely to become part of the pattern. Most adults who abuse their children were victims of abuse and children of addicts are four times more likely to become addicts themselves.

You can help break the cycle. Join The Family Effect in working to reduce addiction as a leading cause of family collapse and harm to children. We're working on this problem at its roots...in homes where children and addiction are present, but the family hasn't yet come apart. Your support can help us continue to provide outstanding services to those who need them most.

One of the easiest and most effective ways for you to help is to spread the word. Use the "share" tools to post this message to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or other social network.

Thank you for your support.