How Can I Submit An Application For The Initiative On Stronger Families?

The Stronger Families Project (SFP) is an educational, family-based intervention program that focuses on community-based efforts to prevent child maltreatment and strengthen families. It offers free weekly classes and personalized support to families, with classes starting from September 18th and continuing through November 16th. The program is designed to help families achieve meaningful and successful lives in a mutually beneficial way.

To apply for an internship, applicants must create a virtual interview teaching video and complete the “Stronger Families Project Internship Placement Form”. Classes are held one evening per week for eight weeks, and sessions fill up quickly. The Building Strong Families Pathway is for current college students who are Black, Indigenous, or students of color and pursuing a career in education.

The SFP has successfully supported 5231 families to achieve sustained and significant progress and change in their lives. The program provides life-changing relationship skills to Military, Veteran, and First Responder families so they can be strong and thrive.

For more information about eligibility and services, individuals, couples, and families aged 18 and up can contact Strongerfamilies@trafford. gov. uk. Changes to the SFP’s services are offered at no cost to all individuals, couples, and families, ages 18 and up. The Strengthening Families framework is a research-informed approach to increase family strengths, enhance child development, and reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment.

From 20 May 2024, all Stronger Families and Start for Life grant application requests must be submitted via an online form. Grant funding criteria include Durham County, Durham County, and the counties of Franklin, Madison, and Madison.

How Do Parents And Youth Learn SFP Skills?

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a structured, evidence-based intervention aimed at enhancing parenting and youth life skills for high-risk families. It consists of 14 sessions where parents and youth engage in training that fosters nurturing support and promotes positive behaviors. The program involves separate training for each group in the initial hour, followed by a collaborative family practice session in the second hour.

Parents learn essential skills such as establishing rules and setting limits, advocating for their youth, and accessing community resources. During youth sessions, participants develop life skills and refusal skills, enabling them to navigate social challenges effectively.

SFP employs interactive techniques like role-playing and discussions to engage families fully. It is designed not only for high-risk families but is relevant to all, emphasizing universal family strengthening. The curriculum teaches crucial skills such as stress identification, setting clear expectations, and maintaining respectful communication.

SFP has positively impacted families across all 50 states in the U. S. and over 25 countries. The program's success lies in its practice of teaching prosocial skills together, encouraging meaningful familial connections and effective communication, ultimately altering families' dynamics for the better. With a flexible framework that can include different delivery methods, such as home-use DVDs, SFP remains a vital resource for families striving to improve their relationships and overall functioning in the face of life's challenges.

Why Do We Need A Strong Family?

Our family plays a vital role in our ability to navigate the world, providing love, warmth, and essential support during challenging times. Strong families exhibit effective communication, fostering an environment where every member feels heard and respected. They create a nurturing space for children's development and the overall well-being of all members. Family bonds can be biological or emotional, contributing significantly to physical and mental health—benefits that are uniquely found within family ties.

These relationships are foundational, teaching values and principles that guide individuals throughout life, from childhood to adulthood. Strong families enhance societal stability by nurturing responsible citizens who positively influence their communities. The importance of family is evident from birth and remains constant, offering security and support. They help children feel safe and secure, and their benefits—such as love, honesty, and spiritual guidance—foster emotional well-being.

Research indicates that strong family relationships reduce anxiety and depression while promoting a sense of belonging. Key attributes of successful families include appreciation, commitment, effective communication, and quality time spent together. Ultimately, families are our primary source of affection and support, shaping our identities and imparting a deep sense of connection and acceptance in our lives.

What New Skills Are Added To The SFP Curriculum?

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) has introduced new skills, including Mindfulness, Monitoring, and anger management, utilizing PowerPoints, children's songs, and DVD video clips to enhance skills teaching. A new 11-session curriculum (SFP 7-17) addresses multiple age groups: Parents, Teens (12-17), and Children (6-11), with recent adjustments to teen and child lessons and updated handouts. The term "Group Leader" was changed to "Family Coach" to foster family connection.

The SFP aims to reduce environmental risks and enhance protective factors for families. A core component is skill practice, encouraging parents and children to use techniques learned during the sessions. The program focuses on nurturing skills for parents/caregivers to support children effectively while promoting positive discipline strategies and strengthening parent-child relationships. The curriculum encompasses a 10- to 14-week, two-hour course with separate lessons for parents, teens, and children, followed by family practice time.

It aims to enhance protective factors like pro-social peer relationships and decrease risk factors associated with behavioral and social issues. The American Indian SFP adapts the curriculum to incorporate culturally relevant elements. Overall, SFP is designed as an evidence-based training initiative geared towards high-risk families.