Strong African American Families (SAAF)
An Evidence-Based Practice
Description
The Strong African American Families (SAAF) is a family-based prevention program designed for low-income, rural African American preadolescents and their primary caregivers. The program seeks to help 11 and 12 year olds make positive choices as they enter adolescence. The curriculum is based on more than ten years of research on African American families conducted at the University of Georgia and Iowa State University. The program consists of seven consecutive weekly sessions. At the sessions, families eat a meal together and then divide into parent and child small groups for discussion. The small groups are followed by a group meeting. The focus of the sessions are on effective parenting behaviors, providing guidance and support for children, helping children appreciate their parents and teaching children skills to do deal with stress and peer pressure.
Goal / Mission
The SAAF program aims to prevent initiation of risk behaviors such as drug abuse, alcohol and cigarette use, and sexual activity in low-income African American preadolescents.
Impact
This program has helped create positive family interactions and support youth and teens as they take the next steps toward a positive future.
Results / Accomplishments
Multiple studies of the SAAF programs have been conducted. In one such study, which included 332 families, it was shown that families who participated in SAAF experienced significant increases over time in regulated, communicative parenting; increases in targeted parenting behaviors, according to youths' reports; and low rates of high-risk behavior initiation among youths.
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Center for Family Research, University of Georgia
Primary Contact
Dr. Tracey Anderson
The Center for Family Research
University of Georgia
1095 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30602
(706)425-2992
tnander@uga.edu
https://cfr.uga.edu/saaf-programs/saaf/
The Center for Family Research
University of Georgia
1095 College Station Road
Athens, GA 30602
(706)425-2992
tnander@uga.edu
https://cfr.uga.edu/saaf-programs/saaf/
Topics
Health / Adolescent Health
Community / Social Environment
Health / Family Planning
Community / Social Environment
Health / Family Planning
Organization(s)
Center for Family Research, University of Georgia
Source
Journal of Family Psychology
Date of publication
2006
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Georgia
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Teens, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities