Why SFP?

        The Strengthening Families Program is an effective way to:

  - delay the onset of adolescent substance abuse.
  - lower levels of aggression.
  - increase the resistance to peer pressure in youth.
  - increase the ability of parents/caregivers to set appropriate
    limits and show affection to and support of their children.¹

        Families in McKean County who have been through SFP affirm that it is helpful in several ways.  Parents felt their abilities improved in the following ways:

  - 46% increase in Stress Management Skills
  - 44% rise in Communication of Family Values
  - 46% boost in Positive Family Communication

        Youth also felt the program was positive with:

  - 44% jump is Stress Management Skills.
  - 29% gain in Empathy Towards Parents.
  - 30% surge in Peer Resistance Skills.

        SFP has also been shown to save money:

  - Every $1.00 invested in the Strengthening Families Program could save an estimated $9.60 from the cost of addressing substance abuse problems².
  - Programs designed to strengthen families and prevent adolescent problems save money in the long run for schools, families and communities³.

¹ Iowa State University Extension: Strengthening Families Program 10-14; available from http://www.extension.iastate.edu/sfp/index.php; Internet; accessed 13 September 2007.
² Spoth, R.; Guyull, M.; and Day, S. X. (2002). S. Universal family-focused interventions in alcohol-use disorder prevention: Cost effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses of two interventions. Journal of Studies on Alcohol 63:219-228.
³ Washington State Institute for Public Policy. (2004). Benefits and Costs of Prevention and Early Intervention Programs for Youth. Olympia, WA. www.wsipp.wa.gov.