Family Strengthening

Program Overview

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 through the teaching of effective parenting skills and the provision of 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 be enrolled 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, serious family conflict
Persistent, serious family stress which significantly impacts family functioning
History of family substance abuse
Caregiver's negative attitude and lack of knowledge regarding appropriate child developmental norms that 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 inception of the program, 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.