What Works

Have you ever been frustrated by the lack of insight about what really works with families? I have been frustrated many times.

I am a family therapist with a lot of experience as a teacher, professor and youth minister. I cannot count the number of times I was over my head and wondered why I was there. Where could I go to get something to help me help the families who came to me for "Expert Advice"?

There are all kinds of programs being offered by well meaning people. Not long ago I was invited to preview a program sponsored by a nationally known ministry to "Drug Proof our Kids". I attended but the very title of the thing turned me off. Before I had kids and counseled several thousand parents whose kids ended up in trouble I may have accepted that title without question. But not now.

I attended anyway in the constant hope that they had come up with something new and different to say. I long to see some program that really works. I am tired of the same old scare tactics that I heard when I was a kid. I want an approach that has positive research outcomes.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed and again just heard all the terrible statistics and saw the photos of addicted kids and the ravages drugs take on parents and their kids. But I already knew all that for I have seen it up close and personal far too many times.

No one shared any of the research on such "Prevention Programs". I have seen the research and frankly, they do not work very well. So, I am far too busy teaching skills that work to get involved any more in those that do not work.

And more importantly, too many folks are dying from drugs and alcohol to waste my time attending seminars that only scare the people who are already scared. Programs designed by what Jesus called, "The Elder Brother Types" will never appeal to the "Prodigal Sons and Daughters" in the family.

Now we have information about things that are more likely to work in preventing AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug) Problems. The best bet can be called, ABC Prevention Programs. Asset Based Caring Prevention works best. Nothing is perfect but building Assets in the Parents, Adult Mentors like teachers, youth leaders and coaches and in the kids work the very best.

Do you want to find a place to find resources?

Try http://www.search-institute.org/ This is the web site of The Search Institute and it is a great place to find help that is practical, effective and cost effective.

A site for evaluating outcomes and reading about programs that work: http://www.communitybuilders.nsw.gov.au/getting_organised/managing/resg.html