Odyssey House in Salk Lake, Utah opened the state's first residential substance use treatment program designed specifically for fathers and their children, KSL TV reported on May 2.

The program, begun last fall, lasts an average of ten months and offers group therapy, parenting classes and vocational training for substance-dependent fathers.

"There's less resistance because they get to bring their children with them and work on something that's important to them, being a better parent," said Glen Lambert, executive director of Odyssey House.

The children, who may have suffered emotionally or physically as a result of their parents' addiction, also receive therapeutic services.

"We see real anxious babies and toddlers who have a hard time calming down," said Kate Tolsma, Odyssey House Children's Services Director.

"They come often developmentally behind, so what this does is help them catch up," said Lambert.