Contact:	Dr. Rose Alvarado Department of Health Promotion and Education University of Utah 300 S. 1850 E, Room 215 Salt Lake City, UT 84112–0920 Tel: (801) 581–8498 Fax: (801) 581–5872
Main Purpose:	To reduce risk factors for substance abuse and other problem behaviors
Target Group:	High-risk children of substance abusers; families with children ages 6 through 10
Description:	SFP builds on protective factors by improving family relationships, parenting skills, and improving the youth's social and life skills. Modifications of the original program have been made for various target groups. Originally developed for children of high-risk substance abusers, the program is also widely used for general audiences. SFP provides 14 weekly meetings of 2 to 3 hours in length. Three separate courses are offered: Parent Training, Children's Skills Training, and Family Life Skills Training. Parents learn how to gain the child's attention and reinforce positive behavior; they also acquire skill in communication, substance use education, problem solving, limit setting, and maintenance. Kids learn communication, understanding feelings, social skills, problem solving, resisting peer pressure, substance use issues, and rule compliance. Families jointly practice therapeutic child play and conduct weekly meetings to address issues and plan activities. Incentives to participation include transportation, child care, and family meals.
Evaluation:	Numerous evaluations have been done. Results based on pre-post and 6-month followup show that the three-component design is powerful. SFP improved risk status in 1) children's problem behaviors, emotional status, and prosocial skills; 2) parents' parenting skills; and 3) family environment and functioning. Positive results were noted in family relationships and organization, increased family cohesion, and reduced conflict. Better sibling relationships, family-oriented activities, and clarity of rules were seen, and less social isolation of parents was found. Also, parents reported decreases in drug use, depression, and use of corporal punishment, and increased parental efficacy. Children were less impulsive, behaved more appropriately at home and school, and reported less intent to use drugs.

(Source: Strengthening America's Families Project, University of Utah, Model Family Strengthening Program Descriptions)

Parenting IS Prevention Training of Trainers Workshop, 1998	SAMHSA

Office of National Drug Control Policy