The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP), North Kerry

Programme Details – September 11th to December 14th 6pm – 9pm (14 weeks). * Please note that this planned programme is subject to funding and minimum no. of referrals.

A Referral Application Form and full details of the North Kerry Strengthening Families Programme SFP Course may be obtained by contacting the Listowel Family Resource Centre on 068-23584; the Closing Date for referrals is 31st August 2023 @ 12noon. Please return the completed Form to the Site Coordinator: Jackie Landers, CEO, Listowel FRC, Ballygologue, John B. Keane Road, Listowel, Co. Kerry, email: jackielanders@listowelfrc.ie  For enquiries, please ring or text: 085-1434456. 

The National SFP Council of Ireland is a nationally representative inter-regional group of organizations involved in the management and delivery of SFP across Ireland. You can contact us on 01 8832142 or through our website www.sfpcouncilireland.ie for further information or questions. http://sfpcouncilireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cork-Kerry-SFP-Brochure2.pdf

What is the Strengthening Families Programme?

• • SFP is a 14 week skills-based programme for families with children or teenagers to help build positive relationships.

• • It was developed in the USA in 1982 and can now be found in more than 35 countries.

• • Families of all different shapes and sizes can apply to the programme. Any adult who takes a parenting role with a young person can be considered a “parent”.
    It is a 3 skills programme that focuses on parent skills; child/teen skills; and family skills.

Extensive research has found that families experience a lot of improvements and benefits:

Parent Skills

Increases positive parenting skills and confidence; monitoring and supervision

Child/Teen Skills

Improves communication, problem solving and anger and behavioural control.

Family Skills

Improves family attachment/bonding, harmony, communication, organization, family strengths and resilience.

How does my family apply?

Please check our website: www.sfpcouncilireland to find an SFP near you. Your SFP area may provide a programme for teenagers (12-16 years) or for children (6-12 years) or both. Your local SFP Site Coordinator can answer any questions you may have.

What happens on an SFP day?

• • • • SFP usually takes place in the evening time (approximately 6pm – 8:30pm).
      • Transport and childcare can be provided if needed.
      • Dinner is provided for all families.
      • An SFP Team, made up of local agencies and volunteers will support you and your family in your SFP journey. Parents and teens are divided into groups and are assigned Group Leaders.
      • Other families will also take part in SFP over the 14 weeks.
      • The Site Coordinator will discuss policies around confidentiality, health and safety, sharing of information, etc.
      • On completion of your 14 weeks, there is a fun graduation ceremony for all the family!