COUNTRY: UNITED STATES
REGION: AMERICAS
Developer: Dr. Karol L. Kumpfer; Iowa State University
Program Overview: This program, originally developed in the 1980's, aims to reduce behavioral, emotional, academic, and social problems among young people, especially those from high risk families.
Program Design: SFP attempts to achieve these goals by strengthening family connections and supports. While the program is school-based in also includes a parent component. The curriculum aims to strengthen the family environment by improving communication, encouraging positive interactions, and teaching discipline.
Children skill training includes:
- Communication skills
- Resilience skills
- Problem solving
- Peer resistance
- Feeling identification
- Anger management
- Coping skills
Parental training includes:
- Positive interactions with children
- Enhanced family communication
- Effective family meetings
- Consistent discipline
Program materials have been expanded and adapted to additional target age groups, different high risk populations, and vary cultural contexts.
For more information on cultural adaptation click here.
Evaluation: SFP has been evaluated by numerous studies and in varying contexts over the past 30 years. The program now has standardized protocols for process and outcome evaluations. For more information click here.
Key findings1: A meta-analysis of the long term effects of SFP found consistent effects for three main alcohol-related outcomes 3 years after the program. Positive effects were demonstrated for lifetime measures of:
- Alcohol consumption
- Consumption of alcohol without parental permission
- Episodes of drunkenness
Program Website: www.strengtheningfamiliesprogram.org
References:
1. Foxcroft, D. R., Ireland, D., Lister-Sharp, D. J., Lowe, G., & Breen, R. (2003). Longer-term primary prevention for alcohol misuse in young people: A systematic review. Addiction, 98(4), 397-411.
A more comprehensive list of resources related to the SFP can be found here
Target Audience: Elementary school (10 years and younger), High school (15-18 years old), Middle school (10-14 years), Parents
Issues: Underage Drinking
Setting: Family and home environments, Schools
Approach: Life Skills
