The Strengthening Families Program will be rolling into Warsaw Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2, with its group leader training. It’s goal is to prepare individuals to implement the 14 session Strengthening Families Program into the community.

SFP is a nationally and internationally recognized parenting and family strengthening program for high-risk and general population families. It is an evidence-based family skills training program found to significantly improve parenting skills and family relationships; reduce problem behaviors, delinquency and alcohol and drug abuse in children; and to improve social competencies and school performance. Child maltreatment also decreases as parents strengthen bonds with their children and learn more effective parenting skills.

Attendees are expected to attend both sessions, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, May 1 and from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Breakfast will be on Saturday, and a dinner will be provided on Friday; participants will lunch on their own on Saturday.

During both sessions training objectives will include presenting and explaining all necessary components for logistics and SFP implementation; providing an overview and understanding of the three SFP curriculum and their integrations; and preparing trainers and staff for group facilitation and dynamics of working with SFP families.

Training will focus on the 6 to 11 age group, but individuals planning to implement the program with other ages can still come and receive an overall SFP certificate. All individuals from Kosciusko County can attend for free; all others must bring a $50 check made out to the Bowen Center.

A manual will be provided at the sessions. A program and age specific CD must be purchased before implementation of the program; however, purchase before training is not required. The CD can be purchased at http://www.ahearngreene.com/p16.html.

Sessions will occur at Pete Thorn Center, 800 N. Park Ave., Warsaw.

Register at www.drugs.indiana.edu/training. Upon registration, participants will receive confirmation, hotel recommendations and other logistical information.