Strengthening Families

Strengthening Families

RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery, the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and education experts, clinicians, and researchers at Rutgers University have combined their expertise to develop a novel, integrated evidence-based skill-building program designed to reduce the frequency of problematic behaviors within and outside of school, improve academic performance and family functioning, and prevent the development of substance abuse problems in these at-risk youth.

As part of this program, in addition to the Strengthening Families program, students will be provided with a suite of interventions. Funding is provided by the New Jersey Division of Mental Health Addiction Services. The Strengthening Families Program is currently available in the East Orange School District, Fairlawn School District, Keyport School District and Asbury Park.

Strengthening Families

Program Components

  • 14 weekly sessions
  • Parent Skills Training
  • Youth Skills Training
  • Family Training — where parents and youth participate together
  • Family Dinner
  • Incentives
  • Certificates of Completion
  • Special Gifts
  • Graduation Reception

Your family will learn:

  • Communication
  • Active Listening
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Anger Management
  • Coping Skills
  • Limit Setting
  • Family Meetings
  • Goal Setting

For more information, please contact Nicole Leppert:
(732) 837-9363 or Nicolekristen.leppert@rwjbh.org

Patient Stories

  • “I’m not sure I could have done it without their encouragement and support,” Lara says. “Whenever I would ask if it was okay to do something like play hockey again, they would tell me to go for it.”

    Lara
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  • "I tell him he’s Superman and he can do no wrong,” Brian says. "It’s such a great gesture that it’s hard to put into words and say something that would do it justice."

    Brian
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  • “It’s a great program, and I am enjoying it. The staff is just wonderful, so helpful.”

    Pamela
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Patient Stories

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