Strengthening Families Program: An Evidence-Based Family Intervention for Parents of High-Risk Children and Adolescents

This article reviews the contents and research on the Strengthening Families Program (SFP), a family evidence-based seven- to 14-session intervention for drug prevention in high-risk children ages 0 to 17. Twelve Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) found significant improvements in youths' behavioral health, including 50% reductions in substance misuse, depression/anxiety, and child maltreatment. Culturally adapted SFP versions have improved family relations and the children's behavioral health in 36 countries. To reduce costs of SFP's family groups, a SFP Years DVD was developed and found effective in schools, health clinics, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Future directions include putting SFP on the Web and on smartphones.