The model was developed over a 12-year period by several teams of therapists at the Midwest Family Resource in Chicago. Preliminary evaluation results indicate the model has been successful in ending the abuse and allowing the families to remain intact. The program consists of three stages that create a context for change, challenge existing behavioral patterns and expand behavioral alternatives, and consolidate desired behavioral modifications. The stage of creating a context for change involves the coordination of services among involved agencies, the startup of therapeutic interventions, and the addressing of problem denial by some or all family members. The second stage, which challenges dysfunctional behaviors and develops alternative constructive behaviors, includes sessions with the family, individual family members, marital partners, siblings, and family members in broad therapy groupings. In the final stage (consolidation), families assume more responsibility for problemsolving, conflict resolution, and decisionmaking. New constructive communication patterns should be well learned and routinely practiced, and the family members should be able to distinguish between previous dysfunctional behaviors and new therapeutic behaviors. 5 references.