Key Points: Children who have close, satisfying relationships with their parents, have regular family dinners, and have specific rules concerning tobacco use are less likely to smoke. This workshop will introduce participants to Families and Schools Together (FAST), a SAMHSA model program designed to address the risk factor and protective factors that have been associated with youth smoking. FAST works effectively with parents and children on two levels - through a peer group and a multi-family group. Each FAST program cycle is evaluated with a pre- and post-test and the data indicate that the eight week program improves family relationships, parents' effectiveness, and children's behavior. In addition, the evaluation found that parents reduced their smoking, with 10% more parents reporting “0 days” of smoking at post-test than at pre-test. Parents also reported improvements in their knowledge of the impact of atod on the family, the ability to recognize a problem with addiction in a family member, where to get help for a problem with addiction, and the negative effects of atod on one's health. The presenters will describe the risk and protective factors, the FAST activities and how the activities reduce risk or increase protection.

Learning Objectives: Learn about the importance of involving the whole family in prevention and how to conduct family-based programs Learn theories behind program activities

Benefits: The participants will learn ways to engage parents in prevention efforts, and learn the benefits of a family-based prevention approach.