Changing the Narrative for Young People Living with Parental Addiction: A Trauma-informed and Strengths-based Approach
Tracks
Monarch Room - In-Person Only
| Thursday, May 28, 2026 |
| 10:15 AM - 10:35 AM |
Overview
Nikki Butler, Nikki Butler Consulting & Training
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Identity the impact of parental substance addiction on children and young people, from a trauma-informed lens.
2. Understand how trauma and resilience co-exist, increasing hope and breaking cycles of addiction and trauma.
3. Recognise key factors and strategies that support resilience in children and adolescents, countering deficit-based narratives.
1. Identity the impact of parental substance addiction on children and young people, from a trauma-informed lens.
2. Understand how trauma and resilience co-exist, increasing hope and breaking cycles of addiction and trauma.
3. Recognise key factors and strategies that support resilience in children and adolescents, countering deficit-based narratives.
Speaker
Ms Nikki Butler
Founder, Consultant & Trainer
Nikki Butler Consulting & Training
Changing the Narrative for Young People Living with Parental Addiction: A Trauma-informed and Strengths-based Approach
Abstract
This presentation draws on lived experience and professional expertise of the challenges faced by children and young people who experience parental substance addiction, with a dual focus on the relationship between adversity and resilience. Complexities experienced by children can include disrupted attachment, emotional instability, inconsistent parenting, neglect, exposure to trauma and cumulative harm, leading to a fractured sense of wellbeing and safety. These adverse experiences increase the risk of poor health and life outcomes, including increased risk of addiction in their own lives.
What is often overlooked, is that despite these significant challenges, many young people develop inherent resilience. Their inner strength and wisdom empower them to adapt and thrive amidst adversity. Real-life narratives alongside evidence-informed findings provide examples of the ways in which young people develop the ability to flourish in many areas of their life. This resilience can be nurtured and strengthened through a combination of protective factors at individual, familial, and community levels. Factors include being heard and valued; consistent adult support; mental health interventions; developing social-emotional skills; access to community resources; and developing a sense of belonging, purpose and hope.
Trauma-informed approaches which prioritise strengths and possibilities, rather than focusing on deficits, are crucial. Understanding that trauma and resilience can coexist enables us to better support young people as they navigate their experiences. Developing resilience does not erase traumatic and harmful experiences but recognises that young people also have inner strength. Drawing on their inner capacity and building a sense of hope for their future can counter the often deficit-based narratives and expectations of poor outcomes.
Practical insights and strategies designed to support resilience in children and young people will be explored. By acknowledging their inner strength and facilitating collaboration among families, professionals, and communities, pathways for wellbeing, healing and growth can be paved.
What is often overlooked, is that despite these significant challenges, many young people develop inherent resilience. Their inner strength and wisdom empower them to adapt and thrive amidst adversity. Real-life narratives alongside evidence-informed findings provide examples of the ways in which young people develop the ability to flourish in many areas of their life. This resilience can be nurtured and strengthened through a combination of protective factors at individual, familial, and community levels. Factors include being heard and valued; consistent adult support; mental health interventions; developing social-emotional skills; access to community resources; and developing a sense of belonging, purpose and hope.
Trauma-informed approaches which prioritise strengths and possibilities, rather than focusing on deficits, are crucial. Understanding that trauma and resilience can coexist enables us to better support young people as they navigate their experiences. Developing resilience does not erase traumatic and harmful experiences but recognises that young people also have inner strength. Drawing on their inner capacity and building a sense of hope for their future can counter the often deficit-based narratives and expectations of poor outcomes.
Practical insights and strategies designed to support resilience in children and young people will be explored. By acknowledging their inner strength and facilitating collaboration among families, professionals, and communities, pathways for wellbeing, healing and growth can be paved.
Biography
Nikki is a child protection specialist with over 35 years’ experience in leadership, consulting and training across Australia and New Zealand. Nikki holds qualifications in Social Work, Research, and Professional Supervision and has worked across multiple service areas, including child protection, addiction, child and adolescent mental health, disability, education, and family support. Nikki has led national violence intervention initiatives across multiple health services and received a Queensland Child Safe Organisations Award. Her expertise lies in equipping professionals with trauma-informed, developmental and empathetic approaches to practice. Her work supports practitioners to remain grounded, reflective, and effective in complex environments.
