Why Strengthening Families Matters

Strong families are the foundation of strong communities. When parents and caregivers have the tools to guide, support, and connect with their kids, they set the stage for children to grow into emotionally healthy, confident, and responsible adults.

​

Research shows that parents play one of the biggest roles in preventing substance use and other risky behaviors. Youth with strong family bonds are more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol, stay engaged in school, and make healthy choices.

​

Preventing Substance Use Before It Starts

Addiction affects millions of families and is one of the largest public health crises in the country. Most substance use begins in adolescence — a stage when prevention can have the biggest impact.

​

The Strengthening Families Program (SFP) helps parents take an active role in prevention by teaching three key skills:

• Bonding — Creating warm, loving relationships that make kids feel secure and valued.

• Boundaries — Setting clear, consistent rules and expectations.

• Monitoring — Staying involved in your child's world, knowing where they are, who they're with, and how they're feeling.

​

Together, these skills build a protective shield around youth, reducing the likelihood of early substance use and keeping them on a healthy path.

​

The Critical Stage: Brain Development in Adolescence

The teen years aren't just about growing taller — the brain is undergoing rapid development too. The choices and experiences children have during this time can shape how their brain wires itself for life.

​

Negative experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or exposure to violence and substance use, can harm brain development and increase the risk for:

• School struggles or dropping out

• Anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges

• Aggression or delinquent behavior

• Early experimentation with drugs or alcohol

​

SFP provides both parents and youth with tools to build resilience, regulate emotions, and create positive, lasting habits that support healthy brain growth.

​

Practical Skills that Stick

This program works because it is hands-on and interactive. Parents and children don't just talk about what healthy communication looks like — they practice it together.

​

Through fun activities and guided exercises, families learn how to:

• Communicate more openly and effectively

• Resolve conflicts without yelling or fighting

• Build routines that lower stress and increase connection

• Manage strong emotions like anger or frustration

• Make decisions together as a family

​

The result? New positive habits form, children feel loved and supported, and parents gain confidence in guiding their kids through tough moments.

​

Protecting Youth from Harm

Let's be honest: young people are constantly targeted by companies selling alcohol, nicotine, marijuana products, and more. They know that getting kids hooked early means having paying customers for life.

​

That's why adults — parents, caregivers, mentors, neighbors — all share a responsibility to protect kids. The Strengthening Families Program is one way to step up and do exactly that.

​

By participating, you'll learn practical, enjoyable, and free ways to shield youth from harm, help them develop life skills, and create a home environment where they feel safe, supported, and heard.