The Strengthening Families Program: For Parents and Youth 10-14 (SFP 10-14) is a parent, youth, and family skills-building curriculum designed to:

* prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems,
* strengthen parenting skills
* build family strengths

The program is delivered with seven sessions for parents, youth, and families using realistic videos, role-playing, discussions, learning games, and family projects. See the promotional video SFP 10-14 is also available in Spanish. See different audiences

SFP 10-14 has been proven effective in

* delaying the onset of adolescent substance use,
* lowering levels of aggression
* increasing the resistance to peer pressure in youth
* increasing the ability of parents/caregivers to set appropriate limits and show affection to and support of their children

Special features

* parents and youth learn together
* designed and used with ethnically diverse families in rural and urban settings
* scientifically evaluated and shown to be effective

Cost benefits

* Analysis by the Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute found a return of $9.60 for every dollar spent implementing SFP 10-14.
* Analysis by the Washington State Institute for Public Policy resulted in two benefits: A return of $7.82 for every dollar spent and a cost benefit of $5,805 for each participating youth in SFP 10-14.

Certification is required to implement a SFP 10-14 program in your community.

Training helps ensure program fidelity, making it more likely that there will be positive outcomes for youth and parents. Groups of at least three facilitators per program site must receive training. One facilitator teaches the parent group; two facilitators teach the youth group, and all three facilitators work with families during the family session. Group leaders for SFP 10-14 should have strong presentation and facilitation skills and experience working with parents or youth.

Facilitators learn about the background, evaluation, goals, and content of the program and to take part in session activities. Training also includes information on practical considerations for implementing the SFP 10-14, such as recruiting families and handling challenging parents and youth during program sessions.

Facilitator Training Options
To be certified SFP 10-14 facilitators, groups of at least three people per program site must receive training. One facilitator teaches the parent group, two facilitators teach the youth group, and all three facilitators work with families in the family session.

• Iowa training information
• Outside of Iowa information

Training of Trainers
Outside of the state of Iowa, agencies are able to become certified SFP 10-14 facilitator trainers. More information

Recognized by federal agencies

Program of Distinction
National 4H Headquarters & Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service
Model Program
Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
Model Program
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration
Universal Program
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Exemplary Program
US Department of Education
Exemplary Program
Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention