Strengthening Families Program

Strengthening Families Program

Information Sheet

WHAT IS THE STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM?

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a universal and selective multi-component, family-focused prevention program that provides support for families with 6- to 11-year-olds. SFP has three components: a behavioral parent training program, children’s skills training program, and family skills training program. In each of the 14 weekly sessions, parents and children are trained separately in the first hour. During the second hour, parents and children come together in the family skills training portion. The session begins with families sharing dinner. Providing childcare, transportation and small incentives reduces barriers to attendance. This approaches has been evaluated in a variety of settings and with several racial and ethnic groups. Spanish-language manuals are available. Primary outcomes include reduced family conflict, aggressiveness, and substance abuse, as well as improved youth social skills, parenting skills, and family communication and organization. The program is free of charge to participants. For further information, or to register, contact Laura Anderson, SFP coordinator, 972-1881 or .

PROGRAM PARTICULARS:

Duration: 14-weeks of programming (15 weeks including orientation)

Cost: Free

When & Where: Thursdays, Woodbrook Elementary School for English speaking

Tuesdays, Agnor-Hurt Elementary School for Spanish speaking

Time: 5:30 to 8:00 PM

Evening

Schedule: 5:30: Dinner

6:00: Parent’s Skills Training and Children’s Skills Training classes held separately

7:00: Family Skills Training class for parents and children together

7:50: Closing activity and program evening prizes

8:00: Dismissal

ELIGIBLE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

·  Children ages 6 to 11 and their parents or guardians

·  Families interested in and motivated to increase their level of positive interaction and communication, and decrease family stress

PROGRAM BENEFITS:

·  Social support and connection to other parents and children

·  Group support and encouragement for parents and children

·  Free catered family meal each program evening

·  Free child care for children age 5 and under and children ages 12-15

·  Free transportation for program participants who cannot provide their own transportation within the area (Transportation provided by JAUNT ).

·  Drawings for parent incentives each program night

·  Graduation ceremony for participants

·  $25.00 stipend paid to each family for participation in program evaluations

·  Booster session 3, 6,& 12 months after program completion for graduates

·  Curriculum delivered by trained facilitators

·  Weekly support of participant parents via phone contact with facilitators

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS:

·  Interest in program goals; Dedication to participate for entire 14 weeks

·  Ability to function in and benefit from group instructional setting

REFERRAL/REGISTRATION OPTIONS:

Bright Stars Coordinator, Family Support Worker or other referral source:

Parents/guardians may have a third-party referral source contact Program Coordinator on their behalf. Families can refer themselves also. Referral sources are integral to a family’s introduction to and completion of SFP. Referral sources can be involved in home-visits, graduation and support of family participation as desired and appropriate.

Mail: Interested parents/guardians may return “Registration Form” to

Laura Anderson, SFP Coordinator

800 Preston Avenue

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Phone: Interested parents/guardians may call SFP Coordinator, Laura Anderson at 972-1881 (English) OR 970-2100 (Spanish) for information or to register.