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Strengthening Multi-Ethnic Families and Communities Program is a unique
integration of various prevention/intervention strategies geared toward reducing violence against self, the
family and the community. The program targets ethnic and culturally diverse parents of
children aged 3-18 years who are interested in raising children with a commitment to leading
a violence-free, healthy lifestyle.
The program goal is to reduce drug/alcohol use, teen suicide, juvenile delinquency, gang
involvement, child abuse and domestic violence. Short term objectives are to increase parent
sense of competence, positive family/parent/child interactions, positive parent/child
relationships, child self-esteem and self-discipline, child social competency skills and
increased parental involvement in community activities. Parent training classes have been held
at a variety of locations: churches, schools, community agencies and other locations. The
program consists of twelve 3-hour sessions taught in consecutive weeks. The curriculum
includes five major components: Cultural/Spiritual Focus; Rites of Passage; Positive
Discipline; Enhancing Relationships; and Community Involvement. Parent materials are available in
English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, English UK, Russian, and Somali. Facilitator manuals are available
in English and Spanish.
A pre- post test design has been used to evaluate over 3000 parents.
Results show significant improvements in parent sense of
competence, family/parent/child interactions, and child competence and behavior.
Participation in the program had a direct impact on increasing parent involvement in the areas
of "Community Activities", "Political Issues" and "School Involvement". Reports indicate that
the program helps with child rearing challenges, encourages family bonding, promotes pride
in cultural heritage, supports community bonding and reduces life-threatening risks for
children.
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Implementation Costs:
One or two instructors trained in the program's "facilitation" style deliver this
discussion-oriented program. Parent Manuals must be purchased for each parent (or family) at $17 each
from the program developer. It is also recommended that agencies provide childcare,
refreshments and a graduation ceremony. A Child Activities Supplement to augment the parent program with
corresponding session activities for children 3-18 is also available.
Training Costs:
From 15-20 people are required to contract for an intensive Five-Day
Facilitator Training Workshop. The cost of the training is from $535 (National Trainer) to
$625 (Master Trainer)/person, plus travel expenses for
one trainer. This cost includes a Workshop Manual, organized by topic, and a Session by
Session Activities Manual. Overhead materials and parent worksheets are also provided.
Instructors receive a workshop Certificate of Completion, and those who implement the
program and complete the parent pre- and post-questionnaire process become certified as
Official Facilitators in the program.
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