The FAST program is based on building protective factors throughout several domains of the at-risk child's social ecology. The parent-child bond is seen as the primary influence in the child's ecology. Protective factors in seven distinct domains are built during the FAST program: mother-child bond, parent-parent bond, cohesive family unit, parent self-help group, parent-school affiliation, parent-community agency connections, and empowerment of positive parent attitudes. Data obtained after program completion and again at 6-month and 2-year follow-ups indicated the FAST program was effective from pre- to post-participation in increasing child functioning and family cohesion. Data also suggested a strong correlation between protective factors for strengthening and empowering families, parent involvement in the child's schooling, and reports of child functioning. Unanticipated outcomes of the FAST program included the generalization of increased parent self-esteem to greater empowerment in community activities and the discovery of a high level of effectiveness of FAST parent graduates as program facilitators. 34 references, 3 tables, and 3 figures