Effective Family Strengthening Interventions

"It is widely accepted that increases in [juvenile] delinquency and violence over the past decade are rooted in a number of interrelated social problems--child abuse and neglect, alcohol and drug abuse, youth conflict and aggression, and early sexual involvement--that may originate within the family structure. The core principle of OJJDP's [Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's] prevention strategy is to strengthen the family as a unit and provide resources to families and communities. This Bulletin, the first in OJJDP's Family Strengthening Series, focuses on the Office's Strengthening America's Families Initiative and covers such topics as the effectiveness of family intervention programs, behavioral parent training, family therapy, and family skills training." (JUVENILE JUSTICE BULLETIN)