Creating Lasting Family Connections
Website
Program Description
The Creating Lasting Family Connections (CLFC) Program is an evidence-based curriculum for youth aged 9-17 and their families. It strengthens families by enhancing self-awareness, emotional expression, and communication while teaching refusal and social skills to reduce substance use risks. The program is divided into six modules and provides separate tracks for parents and youth, focusing on resilience, responsibility, and family management. CLFC can be implemented in community settings such as schools and churches, with materials available in English and Spanish.
Prevention Category
Practice Level
Strategies
Practice Components
Risk and Protective Factors
Population Age
Populations of Focus
Settings
Parental/Caregiver Involvement
Substance Use Prevention Focus
Recommended Staffing
Empirical Evidence of Impact
| Substance | Substance-Related Behavior | Population Age | Evidence Strength and Study Populations of Focus |
| Alcohol | Changes in Knowledge, Attitudes, or Beliefs | 9-17 | Promising (General Population)1-2 |
| Alcohol | Reduced Use or Delayed Initiation | 9-17 | Practice-Based Evidence (General Population)1-2 |
| Substance Use (General) | Reduced Use or Delayed Initiation | 9-17 | Practice-Based Evidence (General Population)1-2 |
| References
1 Johnson, K., Strader, T., Berbaum, M., Bryant, D., Bucholtz, G., Collins, D., et al. (1996). Reducing alcohol and other drug use by strengthening community, family, and youth resiliency: An evaluation of the Creating Lasting Connections program. Journal of Adolescent Research, 11(1), 36-67. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743554896111004 2 Johnson, K., Bryant, D.D., Collins, D.A., Noe, T.D., Strader, T.N., Berbaum, M. (1998). Preventing and reducing alcohol and other drug use among high-risk youths by increasing family resilience. Social Work, 43(4):297-308. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/43.4.297 |
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Training and Technical Assistance
In-person five-day trainings are offered at the developer’s national office in Kentucky and at locations nationwide ($750 per person for the five-day trainings, $1,500 per person for ten-day trainings). The developer also offers on-site implementation training for as little as $7,500 plus travel costs for the trainer. After training, the developer offers ongoing technical assistance by telephone for implementation support, and individualized consultation is available for a fee. The developer also has a Master Trainer Certification program for individuals who have successfully implemented CLFC with positive results.
Adaptations
This program has been revised over the years, with the currently available version only as Creating Lasting Family Connections.
Program Costs
Please visit the developer’s website listed above for updated information about implementation costs.
What California Providers Are Saying
What They Like About Creating Lasting Family Connections
- The program is designed to strengthen positive communication, family bonds, and interactions to reduce youth substance use.
- Clear guidance for implementation is provided by the program.
- Substantial training is required to ensure fidelity and effectiveness.
Tips and Recommendations for Implementing Creating Lasting Family Connections
- Training and material costs should be considered as developer-led training is required for all staff, which can be expensive, especially for out-of-state organizations.
- Every new staff member must be trained by developers, increasing logistical challenges.
- Follow the curriculum as intended as the program has strict implementation guidelines with little room for modification.
- The program can be delivered in various community settings, such as churches, schools, and community centers.
Labels
Selective,
Indicated,
Universal,
Individual,
Relationship,
Community/Society, community society, community-society,
Information dissemination,
Education,
Alternatives,
Problem identification and referral,
Community-based processes, community based processes,
Anger Management,
Civic Responsibility,
Cognitive Behavioral Strategies,
Connection to More Services,
Cultural/Religious Focus,
Education,
Insight-Building,
Psychoeducation,
Self-efficacy/self-esteem enhancement,
Skills Training,
Parenting Education/Skills, parenting education skills,
Community-based Processes, community based processes,
Early initiation of substance use,
Favorable attitudes towards substance abuse,
Poor coping skills and behaviors,
Emotional self-regulation,
Personal engagement in two or more of the following: school, peers, athletics, employment, religion/spirituality, culture,
Positive social orientation (e.g. engaging in health activities, accepting of rules and community values, positive social engagement),
Strong coping skills (e.g. problem-solving skills, ability to stand up for beliefs and values),
Family conflict,
Family management problems,
Poor attachment with caregivers,
Substance use among caregivers,
Attachment between caregivers and youth, including unity, warmth, and attachment,
Communication and contact between caregivers and youth,
Clear expectations for behaviors and values,
Family environment with structure, rules, predictability, and family supervision,
Supportive relationships with family,
Opportunities for prosocial engagement in the school and community,
Opportunities for the development of skills and interests,
Presence of mentors and healthy adults for positive emotional support,
Positive social norms,
Age 6-12, Ages 6-12,
Age 13-17, Ages 13-17,
General population, Hispanic,
Required,
Substance Use - General, general substance use, substance use general, substance use-general,
School (K-12), k-12
College or University,
Community-based program, community based program,
Other (prison Reentry, justice-involved pops – could be under community-based program)
Community Members,
Prevention Staff,