Based on research and family therapy, FAST is recognized as one of the leading programs in the nation to address the factors that put children at risk. FAST is a collaborative program, engaging families with schools to deal with the significant factors that put children at risk including substance abuse, violence and delinquency, and dropping out. FAST builds protective factors for children and increases parental involvement with the family, other parents, the school and the community. Held one evening a week for eight weeks, FAST increases parental involvement by actively reaching out and engaging stressed and isolated families. Parents learn to monitor their children’s behavior, interact through play and communicate with their children. They also become more involved with social networks of other parents and thus reduce their isolation. The overall goal of the FAST Program is prevention, that is, to intervene in the child’s life early on to avoid problems that may occur later in life and thus preparing each child for a lifetime of success.

FAST Program Goals

Enhance Family Functioning

• Strengthen the parent-child relationship in specific, focused ways.
• Empower the parents to be the primary prevention agents for their children.