At Ridgeline RecoveryColumbus OH, we are far more than treating addiction and mental health in adults. We know the trickle-down affect of issues such as these, particularly on children. A parent who is grappling with an addiction or a mental health disorder can make for an unstable and unsafe home environment. In the worst-case scenarios, this could result in neglect or abuse and even child protective services getting involved.
The Impact of Addiction and Mental Health on Children
Kids of parents who suffer an addiction or a mental health disorder are also more likely to have been subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse. They too may be neglected as their parents deal with struggles of their own.
Children learn by watching how the grownups in their lives behave. Growing up around addiction or mental health issues may have you thinking that this is just normal behavior, even making them more likely to occur amongst your kids later in life.
Kids who grow up amidst chaos are far more likely to have anxiety, depression and low self-esteem or act out. They may have difficulty bonding with others and finding ways to cope whenever they are faced with a stressful situation.
Ridgeline Recovery: Building Strong Families, Protecting Children
At Ridgeline Recovery, We understand the difference that strong families can make in creating a healthy environment for child growth. Which is why we treat the entire family unit and not just the individual stuck in addiction or suffering from a mental health disorder.
Here’s how Ridgeline Recovery supports strong families and protects children:
Family Therapy
One of the earliest steps taken by our experts in addiction treatments is organizing family therapy sessions; these are preparations to help heal past wounds, clear communication and provide what would be expected from a normal healthy coping mechanism. And this can be yield a childcare advantage for children.
Support Groups
Such support groups can offer education, community, and connection for succeeding families of friends fighting addiction or mental health struggles. This can often be a powerful message for families in and of itself.
Education and Awareness
Our family workshops and resources educate families about addiction and mental health challenges to support their loved one.
Promoting Healthy Boundaries
For example, we teach the family members what boundaries are and how to set healthy ones so they can be safe but maintain connection with their loved one who is still in addiction or struggling with mental health.
Building a Brighter Future for All
Ridgeline Recovery believes the best way to protect kids by attacking addiction and mental health challenges at the network stable; if we are able make useful adjustments in our families, our young children substantially gain. We know that our families are the core of a strong community and we will do all we can to contribute.
If you are struggling with addiction or a mental health disorder, and are concerned about the impact on your children, please reach out to Ridgeline Recovery today. We can help you heal and build a stronger, healthier family for the future.
Child services (child protective systems, children’s aid) is a governmental welfare service meant to assist those families needing support. First responders are a lifeline in protecting children from neglect, abuse and other types of harm.
What Do Child Services Do?
The primary functions of child services can be categorized into three main areas:
When a report of child abuse or neglect is received, CPS has the right to investigate. This can include talking to the child, parents and possible witnesses.
After they confirm child abuse or neglect, the next thing that social services does is intervene to protect a would-be abused child. This could mean removing the child from the home and placing him or her in foster care, or providing services to help a family address health conditions that led to abuse/neglect.
In essence, child services also aims to prevent cases of child abuse and neglect through education, outreach programs as well that involve the two; community collaboration.
The staff at Ridgeline are genuinely good, and caring individuals, that provide a positive atmosphere, with powerful curriculum, to help better yourself and it on the right path. Never been anywhere like it. These People are my family now and I'm doing great because on them, and the time they have invested in me.
Great Company. Helping a lot of people. Im grateful to be apart of such a great group of people. I enjoy helping clients and providing my clients resources needed. Im overjoyed with the progress they make. Im proud to call myself a Case Manager for Ridgeline Recovery. Im getaeful to do God's work.
Ridgeline Recovery's staff is truly exceptional—welcoming, knowledgeable, and supportive. Whether you're seeking help or just looking for a group to connect with, Ridgeline is there for you.
After the speaking with Tashia at Ridgeline, I feel more comfortable and at ease. Tashia took her time to answer my questions. If you’re looking for help and someone to talk to Ridgeline is the place. Thank you Tashia
Ridgeline recovery is the real deal. If you are looking to be healed and whole this is the place to do it. They don’t use a traditional 12 Step program which is what I love about it the most. It’s more realistic and relatable. Their staff is friendly and provides me with groceries and so many community resources to help with every area of need in my life. As well several different staff members have followed up with me regularly to check my progress and see if there was anything I needed help with. The teachers and owners are personable, fun and make me laugh. The empowerment sessions leave me motivated with the tools to move to the next level..out of recovery and into success. I’m so thankful for this program and its staff. Also they take Medicaid. I never thought I would want to attend 3 sessions a week but once I took one class I wanted to be involved and was genuinely engaged in taking more classes. Thank you Ridgeline!
Who Works in Child Services?
Child services also work to prevent child abuse and neglect through education, outreach programs, and community collaboration.
These positions may work alongside social workers, or specialize in areas such as child abuse investigations or forensic interviewing.
They offer therapy and support services to the families who are involved with child protective agencies in order to address family dynamics while preventing further abuse or neglect.
In severe abuse or neglect cases, law enforcement may also be called to ensure the child is safe and possibly arrest whoever committed the act.
But if you believe that a child is being maltreated then report it to the incompetent/diversion services at once! Contact your local child protective services agency or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at:
When to Contact Child Services
If you ever think or even simply suspect a child is being abused/neglected the correct action to take would be calling in your local DCFS. If you suspect abuse, call your local child protective services agency or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. It’s always better to err on the side of caution; a report can trigger an investigation and potentially save a child from harm.
Confidentiality
The agencies in charge of child services maintain confidentiality very seriously when it comes to the matters they deal with. The identifier will also take care to keep your identity and that of the child confidential or anonymized as far as feasibly possible.
What to Expect When You Report Abuse
When you make a report to child services, they will ask you for details about the child and the suspected abuse or neglect. They will then launch an investigation, which may include interviewing you, the child, and any potential witnesses. It’s important to be cooperative and provide as much information as possible.
The Importance of Child Services
Whomever you speak to when making a report, will ask you questions about the child and what abuse or neglect they are suffering from. If they decide it is serious enough, an investigation will be started that may involve interviewing you and the child as well as any other witnesses. You should be helpful and share as much information with others.
Child services also work to prevent child abuse and neglect through education, outreach programs, and community collaboration.
Social Workers
These positions may work alongside social workers, or specialize in areas such as child abuse investigations or forensic interviewing.
Child protective service specialists
They offer therapy and support services to the families who are involved with child protective agencies in order to address family dynamics while preventing further abuse or neglect.
Family therapists
In severe abuse or neglect cases, law enforcement may also be called to ensure the child is safe and possibly arrest whoever committed the act.
Law enforcement
But if you believe that a child is being maltreated then report it to the incompetent/diversion services at once! Contact your local child protective services agency or call the National Child Abuse Hotline at:
If you ever think or even simply suspect a child is being abused/neglected the correct action to take would be calling in your local DCFS. If you suspect abuse, call your local child protective services agency or the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. It’s always better to err on the side of caution; a report can trigger an investigation and potentially save a child from harm.
When you make a report to child services, they will ask you for details about the child and the suspected abuse or neglect. They will then launch an investigation, which may include interviewing you, the child, and any potential witnesses. It’s important to be cooperative and provide as much information as possible.
The agencies in charge of child services maintain confidentiality very seriously when it comes to the matters they deal with. The identifier will also take care to keep your identity and that of the child confidential or anonymized as far as feasibly possible.
Whomever you speak to when making a report, will ask you questions about the child and what abuse or neglect they are suffering from. If they decide it is serious enough, an investigation will be started that may involve interviewing you and the child as well as any other witnesses. You should be helpful and share as much information with others.
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
Childhelp USA: https://www.childhelp.org/
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: https://missingkids.org/home
Supporting Children in Their Recovery Journey
Children face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and addiction recovery. Whether they’re navigating their own struggles or living in a household where addiction or mental health issues are present, these young minds need specialized care and support.
At Ridgeline Recovery, we offer compassionate, age-appropriate services designed to support children and their families. We understand that children’s emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. That’s why we focus on providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can begin to heal, grow, and develop the skills they need for a brighter future.
Whether it’s providing therapy, family counseling, or working alongside parents to address the root causes of stress and behavior, Ridgeline is here to walk alongside you and your child every step of the way.
How Ridgeline Recovery Supports Children
At Ridgeline Recovery, we believe that every child deserves a safe space to express themselves, learn, and grow. We offer a range of services tailored to the unique needs of children, ensuring that their journey toward healing is both supportive and effective. Here’s how we help:
🧠 Individual Therapy for Children – Through play therapy, art therapy, and talk therapy, we help children process their emotions, build coping strategies, and express themselves in healthy ways. Our therapists specialize in working with young people, providing a non-threatening and nurturing environment.
👨👩👧👦 Family Therapy and Support – We know that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Our family counseling services provide a space for parents and children to work together, addressing underlying issues and strengthening relationships to foster a healthy home environment.
🤝 Collaborative Support for Parents – We work closely with parents to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to support their child’s mental health journey. From guidance on behavioral strategies to education on the effects of addiction or trauma, we empower parents to play an active role in their child’s healing process.
💬 Ongoing Check-ins and Progress Tracking – We monitor progress closely and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure children are getting the right level of support at every stage. Regular check-ins ensure that children and families feel supported and understood throughout the process.
Kids don’t always have the words to explain how they’re feeling, which is why therapy for children looks a little different than it does for adults. At Ridgeline, we use approaches that meet kids where they are—creative, curious, and still learning how to make sense of the world.
Here are a few of the engaging, age-appropriate therapies we offer:
🎨 Art Therapy Sometimes, a crayon can say what words can’t. Art therapy lets children express big feelings through painting, drawing, and other creative tools. It’s not about being “good at art”—it’s about using imagination to heal and grow.
🧸 Play Therapy Toys and games become powerful tools in the hands of our trained therapists. Through guided play, children learn to understand their emotions, practice new behaviors, and build confidence in a way that feels natural and comforting.
🗣️ Talk Therapy (Kid Style) For older children and teens, we offer one-on-one sessions that feel like a conversation—not a lecture. We focus on building trust and helping them feel heard, respected, and supported as they work through what’s going on inside.
🧘 Mindfulness and Movement Stress doesn’t always live in the mind—sometimes it shows up in little bodies. We teach calming techniques like deep breathing, gentle movement, and mindfulness games that help children feel more in control of their emotions.
At Ridgeline, therapy isn’t something kids have to endure. It’s something they can engage with, grow from, and even enjoy.
Healing Starts Early—And We’re Here to Help
Children may be resilient, but they shouldn’t have to face big emotional challenges alone. The right support, at the right time, can shape a child’s future in powerful ways. At Ridgeline Recovery, we’re committed to walking alongside children and their families as they navigate healing, growth, and brighter days ahead.
If you’ve been wondering whether your child needs support—or how to even start that conversation—you’re not alone. Let Ridgeline be a safe place for answers, understanding, and the kind of care that makes a real difference.
Your child’s journey toward healing can begin here.
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