STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
Regardless of culture or geographic location, the family is the primary social unit and foundation of every society on earth.
To have strong communities, we must start by building strong, close family relationships.
Civilization depends on parents raising emotionally healthy, responsible children who will grow up to be the next generation of adults.
Because of this, parenting is the most important job in the world—and it is not easy!
THE PROGRAM
Despite our diverse cultures and different parenting practices, styles, and traditions, research shows that there are some basic principles that parents can practice in their everyday lives that have been shown to strengthen families and make a positive impact on a child's development and future well-being.
Most importantly, these principles could already be found in God's Word, the Bible, for generations!
Strengthening Communities and Families (SCFP) is an evidence and Scripture-based program. The 18 lessons are designed to help improve family communication and develop positive social skills so that parents and children have closer family relationships. This also helps children stay free from addictions and other delinquent behavior, which improves their quality of life and, in turn, strengthens society.
THE RESEARCH
Research has shown that there are both risk factors and protective factors that can influence a child to either harm or protect them from the negative influences in their lives.
Strengthening Communities and Families works to minimize the risk factors in a child's life and increase their protective factors. This helps to build their personal resilience against the problems in their lives and increases the chances that they won't resort to using alcohol or other drugs to cope with their problems.
Each lesson is based on research about what makes a healthy child. Every concept included has a purpose.
The protective skills taught in the 18 lessons fit into the categories of:
1. Bonding and connection
2. Boundaries and family management
3. Monitoring and self-regulation
By balancing these three elements, along with wisdom from God's word, parents can provide both the nurturing and the structure necessary for children to thrive socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and spiritually.
