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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Januwaa Cobbs¹, Adrienne E. Keller, PhD², and Elizabeth McGarvey, EdD². (1) Child & Family Services, Central Virginia Community Services, 1085 Vista Park Dr., Suite A, Forest, VA 24551, (2) Prevention Research, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800623, Charlottesville, VA 22908, 434-924-8784, aek3a@virginia.edu

Two school systems (one in a small city; one in the surrounding rural county) collaborated with community agencies to implement Families and Schools Together (FAST) in four elementary schools. FAST is a SAMHSA/CSAT model program, developed in 1988 as a multifamily group intervention designed to build protective factors and reduce the risk factors associated with substance abuse and related problem behaviors for children 4 to 12 years old and their parents. Across all sites and school terms, 170 families were screened; 81% (n=137) enrolled in FAST; 81% of those enrolled (n=111) completed the program. The primary quantitative evaluation relied on pre-test to post-test changes in the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scales (BERS) and the Family Adaptability and Cohesiveness Scales (FACES-III). Three of five BERS scales showed significant increases from pre-test to post-test: interpersonal strength (p<.001), family functioning (p=.002) and school involvement (p=.001). In addition to the quantitative information, qualitative information from a focus group with parents and staff identified the most valued components and the perceived benefits. The average cost per family for the 8-week FAST program was $2,588; 70% of that cost was personnel costs. Although the cost may seem high for an 8-week, one night per week program, it is important to weigh this cost against three factors: the quantitative evidence of significant change; the qualitative reports of perceived effects, especially in regards to greater comfort in participating in school activities and with school teachers; and comparative cost effectiveness.

Learning Objectives: