Source: UNIV OF HAWAII submitted to NRP
DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A FAMILY EDUCATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROGRAM TARGETED AT DEPLOYED MILITARY AND OTHER AT-RISK FAMILIES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0204593
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jul 15, 2005
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2009
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
UNIV OF HAWAII
3190 MAILE WAY
HONOLULU,HI 96822
Performing Department
FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES
Non Technical Summary
A large proportion of families in Hawaii function under high daily stress, including military deployment, and do not know how to establish and maintain harmonious, productive family relationships under these conditions. The project develops, implements and tests the effectiveness of the UH Family Strengthening Model to significantly reduce family discord, increase cooperativeness and improve developmental measures and cooperation in children.
Animal Health Component
70%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
30%
Applied
70%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
8016020302015%
8016020307015%
8026020302035%
8026020307035%
Goals / Objectives
The overall goal is to develop parenting and family resource management skills in Hawaii families in order to increase the well-being, productivity and healthy development of family members. Specific purposes are to develop, implement and test the effectiveness of the UH Family Strengthening Model of family education to significantly reduce family discord, increase cooperative relationships, improve developmental measures in children and increase children's demonstrated sense of personal responsibility, contribution to the family, resourcefulness, respect and responsiveness to other family members. A secondary purpose is to train undergraduates in family life education and counseling.
Project Methods
We will refine the ongoing Family Strengthening Model currently used in our Family Education Center to reflect the needs of deployed military families and local, public school families. We will disseminate this model to one elementary school and two military base family service programs, by running parent study groups and children's mentoring projects at these sites. We will train undergraduate students to help conduct these programs and we will systematically evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention methods, while conducting research on the processes by which families change from less to more adaptive dynamics.

Progress 07/15/05 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: During the 4 year period the FETCH Family Strengthening Program was disseminated in three communities (Manoa, Palolo, Mo'ili'ili). A total of 499 parents and 504 youth were served in the FETCH programs. Each participant attended between 8 to 12, 2.5 hour sessions, receiving approximately 20-36 hours of direct services each. Every Friday, adults attended parenting education classes while youth attended groups focused on positive youth development. Approximately 30% of families were seen in individual or couples counseling on Wednesdays, while youth attended 4-H activity groups in horsemanship, woodworking, art, guitar, boxing, fencing, gardening or camp-craft. FETCH served as a training site for students preparing for careers in the human services or education. FETCH professional staff conducted training workshops (30 hours per semester) at the beginning of each semester; conducted group and individual supervision sessions (48 hours per semester) and conducted classroom training seminars (160 hours per semester). In the 4 year period, 409 students participated in supervised, hands-on learning at FETCH sites. Eight graduate students in Counseling Psychology, Community Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy completed 800 hours, each, of Masters level practicum/internship training. Ten undergraduates completed one-semester practica at FETCH. An additional 82 practicum students completed 38 hours of classroom training and 42 hours of hands-on training, each. An additional 302 students completed 15 hours, each, of service learning at FETCH. Numerous print, audiovisual and website materials were produced to convey information on parenting, family collaboration, ATOD prevention, Adlerian counseling, activity group counseling, etc. Publications were geared toward use by: parents, teachers, youth, trainees, youth counselors, parent educators, professional counselors and trainers. Curricula and lesson plans were revised each semester for six parent and youth groups, as well as for summer adventures and a Hawaii 4-H partner program. 4-H manuals were written in 8 topic areas to reflect local resources and needs. The above materials were made available to the public on the FETCH website and in many cases, were distributed in hard copy to participating families and partnering agencies. Weekly newsletters were disseminated. The above materials are listed under on-line publications. Eleven evaluation reports were written on FETCH programs during the 4 year period. A new evaluation method was developed and tested. One book was written and submitted for publication to McGraw-Hill Publishers (J. Deutch [2009]). A second book was started. Physical infrastructure was improved, including renovation of FETCH office-space, a classroom/meeting room,a Kid's Kitchen and Kid's Workshop with donated labor and supplies. Partnerships were developed and educational materials purchased, catalogued and made available in lending libraries. PARTICIPANTS: Mary Martini, Ph.D., licensed psychologist HI, professor, UHM, certified family life educator and Adlerian family counselor as center director and youth and family counselor, trainer and supervisor. James Deutch, DSW, licensed clinical social worker, certified Adlerian family counselor, certified hypnosis therapist, lecturer, UHM as parent educator and counselor, trainer and supervisor. Ann Yabusaki, PsyD, licensed marriage and family therapist, Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii as parent educator, counselor and supervisor. Malia Thompson, PsyD, licensed psychologist, HI, parent counselor. Scott Thompson, MSW, masters intern. Michael Ames, masters intern in community counseling. Natalie Pawluk, masters intern in marriage and family therapy. Susan Choi, masters intern in community psychology. Gail Serrao, masters practicum student in marriage and family therapy. Susan Au, masters intern in community counseling. Melanie Quon, office manager, preschool group counselor, teen group counselor. Reuel Reyel, evaluation specialist and youth counselor. Kristen Yamamoto, evaluation specialist, youth counselor, office assistant. Christian Damo, technician. Linda Turnbull, Principal, Hoala School, trainer, youth counselor. Melissa Chun, MSW, trainer, supervisor. Faye Fawles-Schoch, parent counselor. Tom Burke, parent counselor. Tony Alvarez, MSW, trainer, youth counselor. Antonia Alvarez, MSW, youth counselor. Lisa Jensen, Med, youth program coordinator. Emiliano Tiqui, BS, cooking and guitar instructor. James Estrella, carpentry and boxing instructor. Mercedes Tappe, youth counselor and fencing instructor. Rudi Schaeffer, art instructor and youth counselor. Matthew Kirkpatrick, art instructor and youth counselor. Austin Rochon, guitar instructor and youth counselor. Partnerships were developed with the following agencies: The Palolo Pipeline project The Boys and Girls Club, Spaulding Clubhouse Camp Erdman The Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii Hawaii 4-H The Koko Crater Stables TARGET AUDIENCES: Families of youth at-risk for life problems. Risk factors included: poverty level household income; single parent household; military deployment of one or more parent; psychological diagnoses for either parents or youth; history of substance use in family or youth; history of family violence, child abuse or neglect; developmental delays and ADHD in youth; school failures; divorced and/or blended families; youth with grandparents as guardians; adopted youth; foster children; discipline problems at school; problems with the law. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Short-term outcomes for family participants were to increase knowledge about collaborative, cooperative family life, to improve attitudes and mutual trust, and to increase knowledge about addictive substances and their risks. Pre-test to post-test comparisons of survey responses indicate significant increases in parent and youth knowledge about: democratic families and peer groups; effective communication techniques; conflict resolution; group leadership and organization. Attitudes toward family life and avoidance of use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs [ATODs] showed significant improvement. Medium-term objectives were to improve family harmony, time spent together, youth cooperation, parents serving as consultants rather than bosses, and youth fulfilling family responsibilities. We also wanted youth to apply collaborative group processes to peer groups. Pre- and post- self-reports indicated significant increases in family harmony, youth cooperation, family time together, parents as consultants and youth contributing to the family. Significant decreases in 10-18 of the 24 most commonly reported behavior problems in children occured each semester. Post tests on the family build-a-house test indicate significant improvements in families tendencies to plan, give voice and choice to each family member, respect and encourage each other, and significant decreases in conflict, sarcasm, and teasing during the common task. Our long-term objectives are for families to remain harmonious, youth to remain connected to their parents and youth to show significant "positive youth development," such as: higher graduation rates from high school; improved school and test performance; higher college attendance and formal preparation for occupations; success in finding jobs; lower rates of disciplinary action while in school as well as problems with the law. A follow up study of youth development, involving a control group of members of children's classes who did not participate in FETCH is planned. Pre and post-tests of student and trainee knowledge indicated significant increases in knowledge across the semester. Students, interns and other trainees were videotaped at the beginning and end of each semester. Video-analyses indicate significant improvement in processes such as: conducting group meetings, enabling voice and choice of each member, helping children resolve conflict peacefully, encouraging goal clarification, planning and persistence in completing projects, and in encouraging youth and serving as consultants rather than bosses. A follow up study is planned to study success of trainees in completing their degrees and getting jobs in human services.

Publications

  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems eating (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also at www.efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). What are features of healthy, collaborative families (15 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems at bedtime ( 4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems keeping clean ( 4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also at www.efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems cooperating with the family or following its rules (4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems doing chores (7 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems with clutter ( 6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems cleaning their rooms (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems concerning money (8 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children who do not respect property (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children who demand constant attention (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children dawdling ( 5pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children fighting in the home (4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children fighting in the car (5 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with disruptive behavior in public ( 4pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children attacking other children (7 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children having undesirable companions (8 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children having nightmares and other excessive fears (4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children with bad habits such as nose-picking, nail-biting or spitting (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with bedwetting and inconsistent control of bowels and bladder (6 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with children lying, stealing and cheating (4 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also on website: efetch.org).
  • Technical reports geared toward improving training facilities, conditions and certifications (2005-2009)
  • Martini, M. (2005). Family Resources Program application to become an approved site offering the Provisional Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) Designation. (25 pages) (Application approved 2002, renewed 2005, 2008)
  • Martini, M., Deutch, J. (2005) Strengthening Families through Community outreach and counselor training (15 pages)
  • Technical reports (2005-2009) for parents and teachers on how to prevent teen use of Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATODs)
  • Martini, M., and Sato, S. (2007). Prevention Pathways through Adolescent ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug) Use. Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii (21 pages) [Also, at www.efetch.org]
  • Martini, M. (2008). How does alcohol become addictive and what are its risks (23 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Martini, M. and Sato, S. (2008). How to talk to youth about Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATODs) (23 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Martini, M. (2008). How do ATODs produce pleasure (28 pages) Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org]
  • Martini, M. (2008). How does smoking become addictive and what are its risks (19 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Martini, M. (2008). How does marijuana become addictive and what are its risks (14 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Martini, M. and Sato, S. (2008). How can parents prevent youth from using inhalants (12 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Martini, M. and Sato, S. (2008). How can parents prevent youth from using Ecstasy (6 pages). Honolulu, HI: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii. [Also, at www.efetch.org].
  • Technical reviews (2-3 pages) for 17 CDs on parenting lending library materials (2005-2009).
  • Technical Reports Written for Trainees and made public, on-line (2005-2009).
  • Martini, M. and Deutch, J. (2009). Tenets of Adlerian Counseling and Goals of FETCH Parent and Youth Programs (20 pages)
  • Martini, M., Jensen, L. and Turnbull, L. (2008). How to build a democratic youth group (10 pages).
  • Alvarez, T., Alvarez, A. and Martini, M. (2008). Adventure Workshops: How to help children learn social skills while playing. (10 pages)
  • Martini, M. and Jensen, L. (2008). Activity-group counseling: how youth learn to treat each other with respect. (10 pages).
  • Martini, M. and Jensen, L. (2008). How to help youth resolve conflicts and deal with bullies. (14 pages).
  • Martini, M. and Deutch, J. (2008). How to conduct social histories and open-forum counseling. (12 pages).
  • Yabusaki, A. and Martini, M. (2008). How to plan assessments and treatment. (14 pages).
  • Martini, M. and Deutch, J. (2008). How to help parents build a collaborative family. (14 pages).
  • Yabusaki, A., Martini, M., Motoyama, T. and Chun, M. (2009). Stages and techniques of brief-strategic counseling. (12 pages)
  • McKimm, L. and Martini, M. (2009). ParentingWorx: parent education in New Zealand. (10 pages).
  • Technical reviews on 35 professionally produced DVDs of counselors conducting sessions (2005-2009)(1-3 pages each). Technical reports written for staff and trainees on youth and parent counseling (2005-2009).
  • Martini, M., Quon, M., Turnbull, L., Jensen, L. (2007). Youth Group Curricula for the Family Education Training Center of Hawaii [FETCH] (80 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2007). Intermediate Group: Week by Week Lesson Plans (40 pages).
  • Quon, M., Takahashi, P. (2009). FETCH Preschool Curriculum and Activities (35 pages)
  • Reviews (3-4 pages each) were written for each of 17 socio-emotional board games for the FETCH lending library (2005-2009).
  • Martini, M. (2009). Archery (4-H Projects and Achievements) (20 pages)
  • Martini, M. and Estrella, J. (2009). Youth Boxing (4-H Projects and Achievements) (28 pages)
  • Martini, M. (2007). What parenting tasks are needed to set up and maintain collaborative families (9 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents encourage rather than discourage or praise their children (8 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M., Deutch, J., Jensen, L. (2005) Proposed 10-month internship program at the Family Education Center (5 pages)
  • Martini, M., Deutch, J. (2005) Parent educator internships in New Zealand (5 pages)
  • Martini, M., Deutch, J. (2005) Mental Health Counselor curriculum for the Family Resources Program(5 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2005). Legislative testimony on the expressed need, by 25 social service agencies, for licensed mental health counselors in the state (5 pages)
  • Martini, M. and Deutch, J. (2005). Parent educator certificate program for the Family Resources Program (3 pages).
  • Berg, L., and Martini, M. (2007). House Bill 1723: Relating to the University of Hawaii, for a Family Strengthening Coordination Center at FCS, CTAHR, UHM (5 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2007). Needs Assessment of 25 Social Service Agencies in Hawaii: What is the need for certified Parent Educators in Hawaii (31 pages).
  • Graduate Program Committee (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009). Authorization to Plan An Academic Program: Masters of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Science. (wrote 2 versions of this document).
  • FamR faculty (2007). The Family Resources Program (Description for the external review board) (wrote one version of this document).
  • Technical reports and workshops for parents on effective parenting (2005-2009).
  • Martini, M.(2007). The Family Education Training Center of Hawaii: Who are we and what do we do (21 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M.(2007). What is open forum family counseling and how does it work (18 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can counselors help parents clarify values and acknowledge family strengths (15 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents support their children when the children own the problem (10 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents get all family members on the same page How and why do family meetings work (8 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents determine Who owns this problem(6 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). What are children trying to accomplish when they misbehave (The four misguided approaches to belonging.) (14 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents respond effectively to children using misguided approaches (8 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). What are natural and logical consequences and how do these diminish misguided approaches by children (7 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can family members resolve conflicts using win-Win negotiation methods. (9 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org. Martini, M. (2007). How can parents keep teens safe and on track (10 pages) Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents share what they have learned with other parents (8 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Martini, M., and Yamamoto, K. (2009). Medieval Herb and Vegetable Gardening (28 pages).
  • Martini, M., and Tiqui, E. (2009). Beginning Guitar and Medieval Song Book (32 pages).
  • Martini, M., and Mathews,, P. (2009). Horsemanship and Medieval Horse Projects (32 pages)
  • Martini, M., and Juselis, A. (2009). Long-sword Fighting (20 pages)
  • Martini, M. (2009). Sewing Projects for Medieval Faire (20 pages)
  • Martini, M. and Tiqui, E. (2009). Medieval Cooking and recipes, and Human Nutrition (4-H Projects and Achievements) (50 pages)
  • Martini, M., and Estrella, J. (2009). Medieval Wood and Leather Crafts (4-H Projects and Achievements) (31 pages)
  • Martini, M., and Au, S. (2009). Entrepreneurship: Designing and Running a Medieval Feast and Faire.(50 pages)
  • Martini, M. (2007). How can parents prevent teen ATOD use (10 pages). Honolulu, HI: The Family Education Center of Hawaii, and at www.efetch.org.
  • Technical reports for parents and others on how to deal with common behavior problems of children (2005-2009).
  • Martini, M.(2007). How to deal with problems getting up in the morning (3 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also at www.efetch.org).
  • Martini, M. (2007). How to deal with problems getting dressed (3 pages). Honolulu: Family Education Training Center of Hawaii, July 2008; (also at www.efetch.org).


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs: During the 12 month period, the UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Program was disseminated in two communities (Palolo and lower Manoa) through 36 Family Night sessions. During each 3 hour Family Night session counselors conducted 2 parent education groups (with 15-20 participants each), and 4 youth groups (with 10-12 students each) simultaneously in different rooms. Forty parents and 40 children attended the first series of 12 sessions (in Fall 2007). Fifty-three parents and 45 children attended the second series of 12 sessions (in Spring 2008). Eighteen parents attended an 8-week session in Palolo in Spring 2008. Ten parents and 15 youth attended the June & July 2008, summer sessions (8 weeks). Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted for each session (results, below). Fifteen students served as trainees in the program during each semester. Four graduate students completed their internships within the program. Individual counseling services were also offered to 12 participating families (7 sessions each). Youth and parent curricula and website materials were revised each semester. FETCH Family Strengthening was presented at local (HPA and HAEYC) conferences. To conduct these programs we: 1) developed age- and culture-appropriate curricula to strengthen families; 2) secured and prepared sites; 3) recruited, hired, trained and supervised staff and student volunteers; 4) recruited families; 5) oriented and assessment family members; 6) developed pre and post-test evaluation measures; 7) conducted education, consoling and activity group sessions with parents and youth; 8) evaluated program effectiveness; and 9) wrote up our findings. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
As indicated in differences between pre-test and post-test questionnaires, parents reported greater family harmony, child cooperation, and parent-child communication after attending the 12 week series of FETCH Family Strengthening workshops. These are the major family "preventive factors" shown to prevent youth risk behavior, such as substance use, unsafe sexuality, and risk taking and to assist adjustment to military deployment. After attending FETCH, parents reported statistically significant improvement in 11 of the 24 common "behavior problems at home" examined on the Family Relations Index. According to parent reports, youth showed significant improvements in: Their behavior in general (p=.007); Getting up, ready and to school (p=.003); Keeping clean (p=.06; Cooperating with bedtime routines (p=.008); Conforming to family rules and routines (p=.004);Doing chores (p<.0001); Keeping their own rooms in order (p=.007); Reducing clutter in the common areas of the house (p=.011); Caring for their own possessions (p<.0001); Not fighting with siblings (p<.0001); Not being disruptive in the car (p=.008); Not fighting with other children in general (p<.0001); Being sociable with other children (p=.002). At the end of the FETCH sessions, parents reported their youth displayed: less dawdling (p<.0001) and fewer temper tantrums (p=.004) According to self-reports on a pre/post parenting questionnaire, parents changed their parenting beliefs and behaviors in statistically significant ways. They reported that these changes produced increased harmony at home. Specifically, they reported learning how to: Show respect toward children through active listening and respectful communication; Trust children to make good decisions; Let children take responsibility for their own school performance; Show children how to belong in the family by contributing; Conduct family meetings; Elicit child cooperation; Reduce power struggles through effective communication; Keep out of sibling fights and other attention-seeking behavior; Set up chores in the household; Deal with parental stress without taking it out on the children. The most effective activities were: Demonstrations of new concepts; Counselors modeling new concepts in how they interact with the parents and youth; Paired sharing in which parents discuss their specific situations and problems among peers; Guided parent discussions of problems in their own homes; Guided simulations in which parents practice solving their families problems; Family activities in which children and parents worked together to complete tasks; Activities in which children cooperated in groups, observed by parents; Open-forum counseling in which the session concepts are customized to the specific problems of the focal family; Listening to other people's children describe family life from the child's point of view; Hands-on activities to develop communication, interaction and group leadership skills; Individual brief, solution-focused counseling of couples and parents to support the parent(s) so that they can take the risk of using these new methods.

Publications

  • Website and newsletter articles for parents, not previously reported: Martini, M. (2008). How to talk to youth about Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATODS), (21 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). How do Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs (ATODs) Work (30 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). How does smoking become addictive (19 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). How does alcohol become addictive and damage the brain and body (23 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). Teen use of marijuana (14 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). How to prevent inhalant use by youth (12 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). How to prevent Ecstasy use by youth (6 pages).
  • Martini, M. (2008). Practical Parenting in a Nutshell (15 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). How parents train children without knowing it (8 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). The gift of individual special time (5 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). The incredibly credible parent (4 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). Letting your child fail for school success (5 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). Eating should be the child's business (5 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). A bedtime story (3 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008) The second offensive or "why is she doing it again" (2 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). Father or sibling (4 pages).
  • Deutch, J. (2008). The frog princess (4 pages).


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Program was developed and implemented via 84 hours of direct family education training services in each of 5 programs to parents and youth in the targeted communities. A total of 120 parents and 130 youth were trained in communication, problem-solving, goal-clarification and conflict resolution concepts and skills, through didactic and experiential training. A 10-week session (3 hours/week) was offered each semester, serving 40 parents and 45 youth. Two, 4-week summer sessions (3 hours/week) were offered, training a total of 40 parents and 40 youth. Pre- and post-test evaluations were conducted at the beginning and end of each set of parent and youth sessions. (Findings are reported, below). In terms of workforce development: 39 undergraduate students were intensively trained in the UH/FETCH Family Strengthening philosophies and methods (3-4 credit hours per semester). Three undergraduate interns and 4 graduate interns were mentored and supervised (100-200 hours each) during the year. Over 100 service learning students are supervised and trained at the sites each year. Five community professionals were retrained in these methods. The UH Family Strengthening Parent Program curriculum and lesson plans (35 pages) were written, implemented, evaluated and disseminated via the efetch.org website. Four youth program curricula (30-40 pages each) were written, implemented, evaluated and disseminated. Twenty-five public information brochures on parenting methods and philosophy were written and disseminated via the website, as well as 12 PowerPoint lectures for the UH/FETCH Family Strengthening program. The program was presented at numerous consultation talks to military and ATOD prevention agencies. Collaborative networks have been formed with the Palolo Pipeline project, the National Guard Family Readiness division; the Coalition for a Drug-Free Hawaii; the Coast Guard Work Life Center and other community agencies. PARTICIPANTS: Mary Martini, Ph.D., licensed Psychologist, Director, FETCH, curriculum developer, conceptualizer, evaluation planner, website content, reporting, parent and youth counselor, staff trainer, teacher, writer of parent materials. James Deutch, DSW, licensed clinical social worker, trainer, parent counselor, teacher, counselor-supervisor. Reuel Reyel, BA, MSW student: evaluation design, analysis, reporting; website development, office management, technical assistance, youth counselor Melanie Quon, student assistant: office management, program development, monitoring of volunteers, curriculum development, youth counselor Mary Brewer, Military Family Readiness Division, consultant, develop military materials, recruit military families Mary Mansfield, US Coast Guard Family Life Unit, consultant, develop military materials, recruit military families Mimi Tompkins, graduate intern, LIOS institute, curriculum development for children and parents Linda Turnbull, Hoala School, Child program coordinator, teacher, trainer of youth counselors Dr. Ann Yabusaki, therapist, parent counselor, program development, supervision of graduate interns Ross Kamakahi, office manager Scott Ginoza, graduate intern and consultant Malia Thompson, parent counselor, youth counselor, counselor trainer Partner organizations: Military One Source; Military Family Readiness; Coast Guard Work/Life organization; Coalition for a Drug Free Hawaii; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Agency Training opportunities: undergraduate practicum experience (50+ hours/semester per 15 students); internship site: 100+ hours/semester; graduate internship site; 200+ hours. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences: Parents in parent education workshops (120; each in a 10 week session of 30 hrs) Youth in youth education workshops (130; each in a 10-week, 30 hour session) Undergraduate trainees in three training courses (FamR 491; FamR 425; FamR 445) Undergraduate interns (2) Service learning students (110)throughout the year Graduate interns (4) Parents and family members in the community We provided formal classroom instruction (FamR 341, 425, 491, 445); practicum placements (see above); curriculum development; innovative, experiential and simulation teaching methodologies; community workshops and other outreach efforts.

Impacts
The UH/FETCH Family Strengthening program has produced statistically significant improvements in family and individual functioning in the targeted communities. Evaluation measures show significant reductions in reported family discord, child misbehavior and risk factors associated with youth substance abuse and delinquency. The programs produce significant increases in cooperative relations between youth and parents; youth contributions to family life; youth responsibility for school success; resourcefulness in problem-solving; respect and conflict resolution at home and among peers. Participants report a high degree of satisfaction in the programs and curricula. Trainees report significant increases in problem-solving, knowledge, skills, self-confidence, career understanding and success in applying for and being accepted in graduate programs and getting hired in related jobs.

Publications

  • How to handle parenting problems with getting children up in the morning, informational brochure for parents, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with dressing, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with eating, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with keeping clean, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle school difficulties at home, such as homework, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle bedtime problems, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with children not following family rules or routines, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with chores in the family, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with children not taking care of their own rooms, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems of clutter in the household, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems of children not taking care of property, www.efetch.org, June 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle sibling fighting, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle fighting in the car, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems in public settings, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle children's aggression outside the home, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle children having undesirable companions, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to deal with constant attention-seeking in children, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to deal with chronic dawdling in children, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle and prevent temper-tantrums in children, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to deal with children's fears, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle bad habits in children, such as nail-biting, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle bed-wetting, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle incontinence, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle character problems, such as lying, cheating or stealing, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • How to handle problems with money, involving children, such as allowances, www.efetch.org, July 2007, 3 pages.
  • UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Parent Program Curriculum, Grid of Weekly Topics and 12 Week lesson plans (www.efetch.org; August 2007, 40 pages)
  • UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Teen Program Curriculum, Overview and 12 week lesson plans (www.efetch.org, September 2007, 25 pages)
  • UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Intermediate Group Curriculum, Overview and 12-week lesson plans (www.efetch.org, September 2007, 20 pages)
  • UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Children's Group Curriculum, Overview and 12-week lesson plans (www.efetch.org, September 2007, 40 pages)
  • UH/FETCH Family Strengthening Young Children's Group Curriculum, Overview and 12-week lesson plans (www.efetch.org, September 2007, 25 pages)
  • Challenges faced by Military Families in Hawaii (www.efetch.org, November 2007, 7 pages)
  • Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse Prevention Resources Catalog (www.efetch.org, October 2007, 3 pages)
  • ATOD materials to include in UH/FETCH Family Strengthening curricula (www.efetch.org, November 2007, 10 pages)


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
The project received $2,000 for this 12-month period. During the period, the Family Strengthening model was modified to reflect the needs of the families of National Guard soldiers deployed to Iraq. Changes were made, also, to better serve economically stressed single parent families, and families coping with divorce/separation. Modifications stemmed from consultations with family educators at the Hawaii National Guard, Hawaii Coast Guard Work-Life program, Tripler Hospital, and ParentingWorx (New Zealand). A summer parent-education institute was conducted on campus, bringing together community family educators. Four community parenting workshops were conducted in the summer to pilot suggested modifications. The modified family education program was implemented and tested. Pre-/Post-Intervention measures filled out by the parents of 50 youth demonstrate statistically significant improvements in 9 of the 23 areas of behavior tested. Family harmony increased across the 10 week period as children's problem-behaviors decreased in these areas: procrastination and arguments concerning doing chores (p=.011); refusing to conform to family routines and rules (p=.045); bedtime problems (p=.001); fighting with siblings (p=.05); lying, stealing, cheating (p=.010); dawdling (p=.003); temper-tantrums (p=.039); bedwetting (p=.032); other problematic behaviors (spitting, nose-picking, masturbation in public, etc.) (p=.010). Parents consistently reported increases in family harmony, cooperation, responsibility, respect and responsiveness of all family members. Parents shifted from autocratic or permissive parenting styles to effective, democratic styles. During this period 40 undergraduate students were trained and provided hands-on work experience (70 hours/semester each). An additional 120 students received 20 hours of hands on, supervised work experience.

Impacts
We are producing documented reduction in family discord and increased positive communication and cooperation in the families we serve. Youth show statistically significant increases in communication and conflict resolution skills, as well as a cooperative attitude toward family membership and functioning. Skills in clarifying goals also show significant increases. Significantly more of our trainees continue on to graduate programs than is the case for the department as a whole. The next stages of the project include working with National Guard Family Readiness Groups to provide family education services to families of deployed citizen-soldiers, focusing on the specific problems encountered by those families.

Publications

  • Martini, M., Deutch, J., Reyel, R., Kamakahi, R., Thompson, M., (2006). Successful Outcomes of the UH-FCS Family Strengthening Program. (Technical report of findings from 2005-2006).
  • Martini, M., Deutch, J., Reyel, R., Kamakahi, R., Ginoza, S. (2006) Successful Outcomes of the Working, Learning, Belonging Youth Program (Technical report of findings from 2005-2006).


Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05

Outputs
This grant was funded from July 25, 2005 to September 30, 2005. Activities in this two month period focused on refining the UH Family Strengthening Model, describing it, implementing it at one site and setting up mechanisms to disseminate this model at other sites in the community. Accomplishments include: 1) We refined and began implementing the UH Family Strengthening Model at the Family Education Center of Manoa, starting in September, with 15 families and 20 youth attending four component programs: a parent education program; teen conflict resolution program; toddler and child social skills programs. 2) We developed and began testing evaluation measures for these programs. 3) In Hawaii, we developed liaisons with Tripler Army Medical Center, the Coast Guard family service center, Waialae Elementary School and Hale Olu High School (Child and Family Services) to set up future implementation of the model at these sites. 4) We designed a parent educator certification program for the University of Hawaii, through which the model will be disseminated. 5) To broaden and strengthen our model we visited two prominent family education programs in New Zealand serving minority groups (University of Waikato and ParentingWorx). 6) We began work on the implementation manual for our family education model. 7) We conducted a literature search on stresses experienced by military families. 8) We are currently developing a summer institute for family educators and counselors working with military and minority families in Hawaii, (to be held in Summer 2006) at which we will disseminate this model. 9) We began training 12 undergraduate students in the child, adolescent and toddler programs on conflict resolution; 2 community professionals and four staff members in this model of parent and child education and counseling.

Impacts
Expected direct impacts of our ongoing program on families in the community are: reduction in family discord, increased positive communication and cooperation, and improved social and conflict resolution skills in children in the served families, as well as increased skills in family education by our 18 trainees. We will increase the knowledge and skills of the family educators we train, which will, in turn, improve their provided services to military and other at-risk families in Hawaii. The indirect impacts will be improved functioning in military families, including those of deployed and returning combat veterans, reduction in abuse, divorce and family stress impediments to job effectiveness.

Publications

  • Martini, M. and Deutch, J. 2005. Development Plan for Strengthening Families: Community Outreach and Training in Family Education and Counseling. Report submitted to University of Hawaii Department of Family and Consumer Science Extension Services, August 2005.