Research and Evidence

MSFP 10-14 is an enhancement to the Strengthening Families Program for Parents and Youth 10-14, which is an evidence-based program that can provide both health and economic benefits to youth, to families and to your community long after the program ends.

What is an evidence-based program?

An evidence-based program is developed based on sound research information and then rigorously tested to determine that the intended effects of the intervention are actually accomplished.

  • To learn more about SFP 10-14 Program Evaluation through Iowa State University Extension, Click here
  • For SFP 10-10 Outcome Graphs, Click here

Research Supported Community Benefits

For every dollar spent on SFP 10-14, $9.60 comes back to the community as benefits in the form of less jail time, less time off work, and less time in treatment. Source: Spoth, Guyll, & Day (2002). Journal of Studies on Alcohol, 63, 210-228.

The Strengthening Families Program is a proven, evidence-based program that has been specifically developed for parents and youth 10-14 in order to:

  • Prevent teen substance abuse and other behavior problems
  • Strengthen parent/youth communication skills
  • Increase academic success in youth
  • Prevent violence and aggressive behavior at home and at school

Youth whose families participated in SFP 10-14 are

  • less likely to use alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the future.
  • less likely to have problems with physical aggression, including fewer fights and less disruptive behavior within the school and the community.
  • more likely to be better connected and more successful in school.

Parents who have participated in SFP 10-14 are

  • better at disciplining and monitoring their teens.
  • have more positive feelings about their children.