Family Solutions Program (FSP)

The Family Solutions Program (FSP), delivers early intervention to youth and their families by working together in groups to strengthen family relationships and prepare youth for successful futures. Family Solutions has more than 15 group lessons to choose from, all of which provide skills to help reduce truancy, improve communication and relationships with parents, reduce problem behaviors, and help youth to realize the importance of their education.

While the Family Solutions Program began with juvenile first-offenders, it can also be adapted as a school-based program. By reaching families early, students avoid contact with the juvenile justice system altogether. In this form, the program becomes an excellent intervention tool for schools to help students with behavior problems, chronic truancy or absences, or who are at-risk for expulsion.

Families & Schools Connected (FSC)

Additionally, we offer a second program designed to strengthen family-school partnerships. The Families and Schools Connected (FSC) program is comprised of three sessions targeting those challenges that face youth and families within the school setting.

FSC emphasizes the positive effects of high parental involvement on children’s educational success, the importance of regular school attendance, parent-teacher communication, procedures for completing homework, and creating a home environment conducive to learning.

Focal Skills

The broad topics we emphasize to empower our participants for success after graduation. These can be grouped together or elaborated on and stretched over several sessions to create a schedule that is appropriate for the individual group of participants or program.

Communication

We encourage parents and children to communicate their feelings, needs and expectations both to each other and those that they encounter outside of the home.

Cooperation

Good communication and cooperation helps families appreciate the benefits of working on tasks together and asking others for advice.

Education Advocacy

We stress to both parents and youth to emphasize education in their daily lives and to reflect on the impact that their current actions have on their future.

Conflict Resolution

We help our participants identify anger triggers and physical cues, and we empower them with alternative ways to resolve conflicts.

Decision-Making

We help youth learn to manage peer pressure and choose positive friendships, and to realize the consequences of their actions.

Community Service

We show our participants that they can have a positive influence in the lives of other people, and how rewarding that can be.

Risks & Protective Factors Addressed

Risk Factors

School

  • Negative attitude toward school/Low bonding/ Low school attachment/ Lack of commitment to school
  • Truancy/Frequent absences
  • Low academic aspirations

Family

  • Family management problems/Poor parental supervision and monitoring
  • Pattern of high family conflict
  • Poor family attachment/bonding
  • Family transitions
  • Parental use of physical punishment/Harsh and/or erratic discipline practices

Peer

  • Association with delinquent and/or aggressive peers

Individual

  • Life stressors

Protective Factors

School

  • Strong school motivation/Positive attitude toward school

Family

  • Effective parenting
  • Good relationships with parents/Bonding or attachment to family
  • Having a stable family

Peer

  • Involvement with positive peer group activities

Individual

  • Social competencies and problem-solving skills
  • Positive/Resilient temperament
  • Positive expectations/Optimism for the future