Around four years ago, Sesame Workshop began uploading videos with well-known “Sesame Street” character Elmo and his friend, a fellow puppet character named Karli.
Karli’s mother struggled with addiction, and Elmo learned about it by discussing her situation. Now, more videos with the character covering addiction are expected thanks to grant funding.
A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that from 2015 to 2019 an average of more than 2 million children in the country were in the same situation as Karli. Those children had a parent with Substance Use Disorder.
“Research has established that children living with family members that have a SUD are at increased risk of several poor outcomes,” said the report. These include emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social problems and potential mistreatment.
Earlier this year, the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) announced it would provide Sesame Workshop with $841,000 to expand its Parental Addiction Initiative featuring Elmo, Karli and other Sesame Street characters. In addition to the free videos, the initiative includes storybooks, video, and interactive digital activities.
All of this content – including new content to made with the grant funds – is aimed at reducing “the negative effects of trauma and [promoting] positive childhood development.”
According to a press release about the grant, the new content will be disseminated through partnerships with national and community-based organizations and direct service providers. Families will also be able to access the content online and via social media.
“As part of the project, the Sesame Workshop will partner with the Morgan County Partnership and Denver Health, two other FORE grantees, and All Rise, the organization previously known as the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, to develop tools that strengthen nurturing connections between adults and children throughout a parent’s recovery,” said the release.
NPR reported this week that, as the new material is produced, it will be made available in the “How to Talk to Kids about Tough Topics” resource library located on the Sesame Workshop website.
“The resources that are out there now tend to focus more on older youth and on adults,” explained Jeanette Betancourt senior vice president for U.S. social impact at Sesame Workshop, per NPR. “Because there’s this myth that with young children they don't understand or they may not be aware.”
Sesame Workshop produces other materials aimed at helping children and families deal with difficult topics. This year, the nonprofit announced a commitment to promoting mental health.
“We at Sesame hold a vision of a world in which all children can flourish and feel the joyfulness of life and do so with appreciation for their own mental health and well-being,” said Sherrie Westin, president of Sesame Workshop. “Through the power of our beloved characters and proven resources, we’re raising awareness about the importance of nurturing children’s emotional well-being and lessening the stigma associated with seeking support for children’s mental health.”