These family-focused programs are based on the theory that relapse prevention works best when it focuses on family strengths rather than on family weaknesses. Most parents have their children's best interests at heart, but the problem is that they do not always know how to be good parents. By helping parents improve their skills, education and youth service professionals can make a real difference in the lives of at-risk children. In Kentucky, the Department of Social Services involves families in day treatment, group home, and residential programs. Treatment specialists provide intensive services to high-risk youth and their families, and they also consult with and train counselors and other treatment staff in Division of Youth Services (DYS) programs. In addition, treatment specialists act as liaison between the DYS and Division of Family Services case workers and have coordinated the exchange of child and family counseling tapes. An example of family-focused education is an 18-day treatment program for at-risk and delinquent youth that offers individual, group, and family counseling. Day treatment programs operate at a fraction of the cost of residential placement. Youth service centers in Kentucky are designed to meet the needs of children and families. In particular, Family Resource Centers serve children up to 12 years of age and are located in or near elementary schools they serve. In schools with centers, teachers report improved student performance and parents report greater satisfaction with schools. Kentucky recognizes that at-risk youth have a much greater chance of overcoming obstacles if their families are involved and support the treatment and education process. 4 references