Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) is an adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program. Formerly called the Iowa Strengthening Families Program, the program aims to reduce substance use and behavior problems during adolescence through improved skills in nurturing and child management by parents and improved interpersonal and personal competencies among youth. SFP 10-14 consists of seven 2-hour sessions for parents and youths. The parents and child attend separate skill-building groups for the 1st hour and spend the 2nd hour together in supervised family activities. Four booster sessions are designed to be used 6 months to 1 year after the end of the first seven sessions to reinforce the skills gained in the original sessions. Youth sessions generally concentrate on strengthening goal setting, communication skills, behavior management techniques, and peer pressure. By contrast, parents generally discuss the importance of nurturing while simultaneously setting rules, monitoring compliance, and applying appropriate discipline. Topics include developing appropriate rules, encouraging good behavior, using consequences, building bridges, and protecting against substance abuse.
Goal / Mission
The goals of this program are to (1) prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems; (2) strengthen parenting skills; and (3) build family strengths.
Impact
The evaluation demonstrated that youths who participated in the study had less substance use, fewer conduct problems, and better resistance to peer pressure and that program parents were better able to show affection and support and set appropriate limits for their children.
Results / Accomplishments
SFP 10-14 has been evaluated in several different studies. In the principal study, 33 public schools in the Midwest were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: 1) the SFP 10-14, 2) Preparing for the Drug-Free Years (PDFY), or 3) a minimal-contact control condition. The evaluation demonstrated that both youths and parents who attended the program showed significant positive changes. Youths who participated in the study had less substance use, fewer conduct problems, and better resistance to peer pressure. These positive changes were indicated by both delayed onset of problem behaviors and more decreases in these behaviors compared with the control group during the 4 years following the study pretest. Results indicated that program parents were better able to show affection and support and set appropriate limits for their children.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Primary Contact
Cathy Hockaday, Ph.D.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
2150 Beardshear Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2031
(515) 294-7601
sfp1014@iastate.edu
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sfp10-14/home/sfp
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
2150 Beardshear Hall
Ames, IA 50011-2031
(515) 294-7601
sfp1014@iastate.edu
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sfp10-14/home/sfp
Topics
Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
Health / Adolescent Health
Community / Social Environment
Health / Adolescent Health
Community / Social Environment
Organization(s)
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Source
The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's Model Programs Guide (MPG)
Date of publication
2002
Location
Iowa
For more details
Target Audience
Teens, Families