Contact:	Marilyn L. Steele, Ph.D. 1220 S. Sierra Bonita Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90019–2552 Tel: (213) 936–0343 Fax: (213) 936–7130
Main Purpose:	To reduce drug/alcohol use, teen suicide, juvenile delinquency, gang involvement, child abuse, and domestic violence
Target Group:	Ethnic and culturally diverse parents of children ages 3 through 18
Description:	This program integrates various proven prevention/intervention strategies that reduce violence against self, the family, and the community. Its short-term objectives are to increase the parents' sense of competence; the positive interactions and relationships among the family, the parents, and the children; the child's self-esteem, self-discipline, and social competency; and the involvement of parents in community activities. Parent training classes are held in churches, schools, community agencies, and other locations. The program includes 12 3-hour sessions taught in consecutive weeks. Five major components are cultural/spiritual values, rites of passage, positive discipline, enhancing relationships, and family/community violence and community involvement. Materials are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. A Russian translation is in progress.
Evaluation:	A pre-post evaluation design is available. Evaluation data from 22 parent groups (n=357) show significant improvement in parents' sense of competence, family/parent/child interaction, and child competence and behavior. Program participation helped increase parent involvement in community and school activities. Other reports offer evidence that the program helps parents meet child-rearing challenges, promotes family and community bonding, promotes pride in cultural heritage, and reduces life-threatening risks for children.

(Source: Strengthening America's Families Project, University of Utah, Model Family Strengthening Program Descriptions; information provided by program)

Parenting IS Prevention Training of Trainers Workshop, 1998	SAMHSA

Office of National Drug Control Policy