Families and Schools Together: Engaging Parents and Community in ATOD Prevention

Middle School FAST is a multi-family prevention strategy for building protective factors around youth as they grow up. Middle School FAST is an adaptation of the SAMHSA model program Families and Schools Together (FAST) for elementary school youth. The purpose of Middle School FAST is to help families build social capital, increase parental self-efficacy, and empower parents to be the primary prevention agent in their child's lives. FAST is implemented by a team that consists of school staff, a parent team member, and team members from local community organizations focusing of ATOD and/or mental health. A total of 2,540 parents and youth who completed the 10 week program have participated in the program evaluation and have completed pre- and post-tests. The evaluation findings indicate that parents experienced improved family relationships, reduced conflict with their youth, and increased social support from other parents and community members. Parents also reported improved behavior in their youth, including improved social behavior, reduced emotional symptoms, peer problems, and conduct problems. Youth reported reduced stress, improved family relationships and peer relationships, as well as improved behavior as measured by the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). This presentation will focus on the outcomes of the program, describe the FAST activities, how the program engages parents and community, and how the program is adapted for different racial and ethnic groups.