The Curriculum

This six-session program creates learning that lasts.

Youth

In SCP, youth participate in fun and informative activities with others who are also experiencing family fragmentation. During the program, they form bonds and reinforce friendships while gaining valuable skills and insights. At the conclusion of each session, they do a group handshake and together, say an empowering phrase. For example, in session one, they loudly exclaim, SCP ROCKS!

You’ll notice that our logo, and a lot of our graphics reflect the support-building spirit that SCP creates. The personalized school, agency, clergy, or provider’s name also included in all program materials also strengthens that bond with the youth.

Parents

After each session, a letter is emailed or given to parents to inform them of the key components of the lesson their child experienced. This identifies ways they can be supportive of their youth's newly gained knowledge. It also gives them insights into what may be producing harmful effects that often impact youth’s academics, emotions and behaviors.

In Session 3, evidence-based online parenting education resources used across the country are also provided. Many of the skills and insights adults gain in those programs are reflected in SCP for their youth.

Leaders

From Schools, Agencies, Clergy, and Providers

By purchasing a one, two, or three year license to conduct the six 45-minute sessions, schools, agencies, clergy, and mental health providers will obtain all the information needed to conduct a successful program. Professionals are selected to be Leaders based on their professional capabilities of working with children.

Each session’s Lesson Plan clearly guides the leader(s) with all the information needed to conduct the program confidently and effectively. It is recommended that more than one leader per group be available to assist youth that may need one-on-one instruction or assistance.

Leaders are provided with a Master List of all handouts, worksheets and supplies that help with pre-planning the 6-session cycle. Useful information about SCP and materials to enroll youth with parental permission is provided as well.

Leaders may also choose to conduct a valuable and clearly provided evaluation with components of youth, parents and leaders assessments. They may choose, however, to make arrangements to collaborate with an independent evaluator.

Assistance is readily available by contacting info@Strengtheningfamilesprogram.com.

FAQs

  • The program is designed so that professionals who work with children in grades 3-8 have all the information needed to conduct each of the six sessions. SCP has easy-to-implement content for youth, parents and group leaders. The digital curriculum includes each session’s lesson plan that identifies supplies and length of time needed for the activities; a weekly parent letter that is emailed or handed out, so parents can support what the children have learned as well as includes adult resources; and a pre-post evaluation for youth and parents as well as a leader assessment are available. The evaluation process was developed to meet grant or funders’ requirements, as well as provide leaders with valuable information.

  • SCP enables schools, agencies, mental health and childcare practitioners to meet the needs of children who are experiencing ongoing parental conflict as a result of separation, divorce or other family transition while having FUN and developing skills in small groups. Parents are provided with useful information that supports them and their children. Providers gain insight into the children they work with and care about.

  • The authors have worked with adult children of divorce and have seen the lasting effects such as mental health and addiction due to their family’s fragmentation. Parents often aren’t aware of the damage being done to children when they put them in the middle or don’t understand why and what is happening. In SCP, children learn to dispel myths such as they caused the divorce or that they can get their parents back together. They practice wellness strategies and gain many skills, and mostly, they discover that they’re not the only ones experiencing these challenges. Weekly digital letters are available providing parents with resources and skills for themselves and ways to support their children.

  • Schools and agencies are often the first to detect the impact the divorce or separation is having on children as well as are eager to respond to parents’ requests for help.  Staffed with professionals familiar with youth is extremely advantageous. However, mental health professionals, childcare providers and clergy are also excellent providers of SCP for groups of children in grades 3-8.

  • Be prepared to enjoy the group of youth who through interactive activities and your guidance, will be learning skills that last a lifetime.

    Be prepared with the materials and content detailed in each week’s lesson plan.

    Be prepared to learn from the brief, yet informative, retrospective evaluations that are completed by the youth, parents and leaders. You will be provided with an Evaluation Compilation form, that you can then share with SCP staff and request feedback if desired.

    Be prepared to co-lead if the group of youth is large, or has youth with special needs that may require a one-on-one response during the session.

    Be prepared to hear from parents about how much they’ve learned and what they’ve noticed about their child.