Active Parenting of Teens: Families in Action

Website

https://activeparenting.com/product/active-parenting-of-teens-families-in-action/

Program Description

Active Parenting of Teens: Families in Action is a school- and community-based program for parents and youth aged 11-16. Delivered in six weekly sessions, it focuses on preventing substance use, risky behaviors, and violence through parent-child communication, behavior management, and adolescent self-esteem. Using videos, role-playing, and group discussions emphasizes authoritative parenting, mutual respect, and reinforces the negative effects of substance use. The program strengthens family bonds, promotes positive relationships, and enhances success in school.

Prevention Category

Universal

Practice Level

Individual
Relationship

Strategies

Education

Practice Components

Level
Components
Individual
Anger Management
Self-Efficacy or Self-Esteem Enhancement
Skills Training
Relationship
Parenting Education/Skills
Community/Society
None

Risk and Protective Factors

Risk Factors
Protective Factors
Individual Risk Factors
Early initiation of substance use
Favorable attitudes towards substance abuse
Poor coping skills and behaviors
Individual Protective Factors
High self-esteem
Personal engagement in two or more of the following: school, peers, athletics, employment, religion/spirituality, culture
Positive social orientation (e.g., engaging in healthy activities, accepting of rules and community values, positive social engagement)
Positive temperament
Strong coping skills (e.g., problem-solving skills, ability to stand up for beliefs and values)
Family Risk Factors
None
Family Protective Factors
Attachment between caregivers and youth, including unity, warmth, and attachment
Communication and contact between caregivers and youth
Clear expectations for behaviors and values
Supportive relationships with family
School, Peer, and Community Risk Factors
None
School, Peer, and Community Protective Factors
None

Population Age

Age 6-12
Age 13-17

Populations of Focus

General Population
Rural

Settings

Home
School (K-12)
Community-based program

Parental/Caregiver Involvement

Required

Substance Use Prevention Focus

Alcohol
Tobacco

Recommended Staffing

Health or social work counselor, therapist or professional (unlicensed)
Health or social work counselor, therapist or professional (licensed)
Prevention staff
Teachers or educators

Empirical Evidence of Impact

Substance Substance-Related Behavior Population Age Evidence Strength and Study Populations of Focus
Alcohol Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, or Beliefs 6th-7th grade Promising (General Population)1-2
References

1 Pilgrim, C., Abbey, A., Hendrickson, P., & Lorenz, S. L. (1998). Implementation and impact of a family-based substance abuse prevention program  in rural communities. The Journal of Primary Prevention, 18(3), 341–361. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024659012360

2 Abbey, A., Pilgrim, C., Hendrickson, P., & Buresh, S. (2000). Evaluation of a family-based substance abuse prevention program targeted for the middle school years. Journal of Drug Education, 30(2), 213-228. https://doi.org/10.2190/GT8C-ELWH-HY94-ECG9

Training and Technical Assistance

There are a variety of training opportunities through the website, including live webinars, online classes, in-person workshops, or training of trainers with follow-up assistance available. Training is strongly encouraged, but not required for implementation.

Adaptations

The developer offers Spanish-language versions of the program, as well as specialized curricula for use with Christian and faith-based communities.

Program Costs

Please visit the developer’s website listed above for updated information about implementation costs.

What California Providers Are Saying

We have not yet spoken to any California providers who have experience implementing Active Parenting of Teens: Families in Action. If you have implemented the program, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us.

Labels

Universal,
Individual,

Relationship,

Information dissemination,
Education,

Anger Management,
Self-efficacy,
self-esteem enhancement,
Skills training,

Parenting Education/Skills,

Age 13-17, Ages 13-17,
Age 6-12, Ages 6-12,

General Population,

Alcohol,
Tobacco,

home,
school (K-12), k-12,
community-based program, community based program,

Health/social work counselor, therapist or professional (unlicensed),
Health/social work counselor, therapist or professional (licensed),
health social work counselor,
prevention staff,
teachers/educators,
teachers educators,