Our Family Strengthening Program is a free three-month, child-centered parenting skills course for families of youth who are at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or juvenile delinquency. Funded through the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, the program aims to empower parents and strengthen family relationships by teaching practical parenting skills and providing individualized wrap-a-round case management services, screenings, assessments, and community referrals. Families in the program MUST meet at least three (3) of the following risk factors to enroll in the program:
- Documented prior history of child abuse or neglect with either the parent or child(ren)
- Disruptions in bonding and attachment between parent and child
- Persistent, escalating family conflict
- Persistent, escalating family stress that significantly impacts family functioning
- History of family substance abuse
- Caregiver’s hostile attitude and lack of knowledge regarding appropriate child developmental norms and lead to unrealistic expectations of the child
- Documented history of family management problems, poor parental supervision, and/or inappropriate or severe discipline practices
- Involvement with the juvenile justice system
- Low-income family
- Single parent household
- Teen pregnancy
- Child(ren) or parent(s) with established and/or developmental conditions that impact their family’s functioning
Since the program’s inception, FSP has served 267 families, of which over 95% have improved family functioning. 71% of these clients have been women, and over half (66.8%) are African American or Black. Most families served (53%) reside in the 33311 and 33313 area codes and are low-income.
Program highlights include:
- 3-month parenting skills course
- Guidance on effective parenting skills
- Case management services
- Screenings, assessments, and community referrals
