Evaluation Research Studies

The Strengthening Families Program has been evaluated in 12 research studies by independent evaluators. Research results from a grant funded by NIDA found positive effects for alcohol- and drug-abusing families. SFP's effectiveness has been demonstrated in CSAP program evaluations with rural and urban low-income African American families (Aktan, Kumpfer, and Turner, 1996), Asian/Pacific Islander families (Kameoka and Lecar, 1996), families in three counties in Utah with a 5-year followup (Harrison, 1994), and in a doctoral dissertation with a general population of high-risk families recruited through elementary schools. Three years of followup data, through the ninth grade, found significantly less substance abuse among youth participating in the Iowa SFP than among their nonparticipating peers (Spoth, 1998).

The first 5 years of CSAP grants have yielded positive results for the SFP sites in Colorado. The results are available in an evaluation report that has not yet been published. Changes reported by participating families are clinically significant reductions in family conflict (p=0.002) and improvements in family communication (p=0.000) and organization (p=0.000) as measured at the 0.05 level by the Moos (1974) Family Environment Scale. Reductions in youth conduct disorders, aggressiveness, and emotional problems, such as depression, were demonstrated using the Achenbach (1991) Child Behavior Checklist.

Research indicates similar results with several different ethnic groups. Because of these positive results in culturally modified adaptations of SFP, the program has been selected by NIDA as the only family program disseminated in the Technology Transfer Program Packets on Prevention. In addition, a videotape, Coming Together on Prevention, describes the program for Hispanic families in Denver, CO, and its impact. ¹

Family Skills Training for Parents and Children	Juvenile Justice Bulletin • April 2000