Strengthening the Community of Support Around Youth Who are growing up with Parental Substance Use Challenges, and the Adults Who Support them.

We empower peer leaders and caring adults to create a safer, more supportive world for young people growing up with the stress & stigma of a parent's substance use.

Find What You Need Here

1 in 5 youth in Canada are growing up with a parent’s substance use challenges, and

Most parent's facing substance-use challenges also face barriers to support.
Youth say stigma is the biggest barrier to feeling safe and supported.
We are here to change this.

Parental Addiction Youth Mental Health Supports

I'm Growing Up with Parental Substance Use Challenges

Storytelling, knowledge on Rights, Free tools and peer programs.

Resources

For Caregivers Supporting a Young Person

Find stigma-free tools and sessions to support your connection with youth.

Caregiver Supports

Megaphone representing a link to Children's Rights

Trainings for frontline workers and professionals

Access training, toolkits, and partnership opportunities to support families.

Allies in Action

Programs & Resources For Youth, Young Adults, and Family Caregivers

What's the deal with our Free Hope Kits For Alberta Youth?

Since 2021, we have given away Free Hope kits to Alberta youth who are growing up with parental substance use challenges with resources, tools, and letters from peers in Canada. Connect via our youth and family programs to access.

Thanks to our amazing donors!

Mini Hope Kits

Keep going, You are not alone

Upcoming Sessions

Keep going, you got this.

We got you!

Multiple Dates

Respite

Mon, Dec 15

Virtual

A peer group for 14+ year olds who are providing support and care to a parent with substance use challenges. Looking for groups for our younger peers? Check out our caregiver supports and our 1:1 sessions that young people can book with their trusted adult.

RSVP

Multiple Dates

Monthly Skill Building Session: Registration Required

Wed, Dec 17

Zoom

Stigma is structural. So is healing. Join one or all of Starlings’ Skill Building Sessions to learn how to support youth growing up with the stress and stigma of a parent’s substance use.

RSVP

Multiple Dates

1:1 With Emilee

Tue, Jan 06

Zoom

Are you a youth 16+ or a caregiver to a youth growing up with parental addiction? Meet with peer mentor Emilee for 1:1 session to help navigate resources, experiences, and emotions.

RSVP

It's not your fault.

Caregivers, thanks of all you do!

We've been there, too.

Joining Starlings and understanding that the reason I was being misunderstood or brushed off time after time was not me or my family, but the stigma external to us, made a huge difference in how I perceived myself, my parents, and the social interactions around parental substance use. Furthermore, connecting with others with similar experiences provided me with a compassionate community.

Starlings Peer

Our training with Starlings has taught me that many young people are caregivers to a parent with an addiction, changing how I engage with them completely. I now thank them for a role they play in their fam often in silence and with so many barriers.