Strengthening Families Program: An Evidence-Based Family Intervention for Parents of High-Risk Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the contents and research on the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a family evidence-based seven- to 14-session intervention for drug prevention in high-risk children ages 0 to 17. Twelve Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) found significant improvements in youths' behavioral health, including 50% reductions in substance misuse, depression/anxiety, and child maltreatment. Culturally adapted SFP versions have improved family relations and the children's behavioral health in 36 countries. To reduce costs of SFP's family groups, a SFP Years DVD was developed and found effective in schools, health clinics, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Future directions include putting SFP on the Web and on smartphones.

KEYWORDS:

• behavioral health
• child and adolescent
• cost-effective
• cultural adaptation
• evidence-based
• parenting skills training
• prevention

Acknowledgments

This research review did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The outcome research on SFP cited in this review was funded by multiple grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Children's Bureau, Department of Education (DOE), Office of Minority Research, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), International Rescue Committee (IRC), and Pan American World Health Organizaton (PAWHO), plus different European governments.