LONG-TERM Evaluation of the Spanish Strengthening Families Program 6-11. Assessing the Effects of the Educational Intervention with High Risk Families

The Family Competence Program, the Spanish Adaptation of the Strengthening Families Program (SFP, ages 6-11) has been implemented in drug treatment programs and in contexts of social services. In this presentation results of longitudinal analysis from both implementation contexts will be discussed. Method: The evaluation of SFP uses a quasi-experimental design, consisting of a randomized control group, pre and post tests assessment and follow-up two years after the end of the program. The sample for the follow-up consists of  290 families that participated in the program and 18 families that participated in the control group. Results: Duration of positive changes are observed in six fundamental family factors (family resistance, parent-children relationships, family cohesion, family organization, positive parenting and parental skills), in the short term, as well as at 2 years follow-up.  In the 2 years follow-up, in the context of drug-treatment programs, when comparing with the control group, there are significant differences in the factor parent-children relationships (t=5,773/p=0,000) and in the factor family organization (t=3,348/p=0,000). Also in the 2 years follow-up, but in the context of social services, when comparing with the control group, there are significant differences in the factor parent-children relationships (t=2,180/p=0,048), in the factor family organization (t=3,541/p=0,004) and in the factor positive parenting (t=2,838/p=0,005). The quality of the methodology and the fidelity of the application of the Spanish SFP obtain excellent results. Methodology and fidelity indicators (accurate explanation of the contents, efficacy in sessions and participation of children and parents) correlate positively with the family results. Discussion: One limitation of this study is the use of self-assessments which are prone to be biased, even though they are controlled rigorously. Short-term results could show overvalued results, which are corrected with the follow-up analysis.