Danny is a nine-year-old third grader who was headed for trouble. He hated school and spent a lot of time in the principal’s office. He was hanging out with older kids who smoked and drank. Danny thought they were cool. Danny’s school counselor referred him and his family to a FAST program where they learned important skills like how to communicate as a family, spend quality time together, and develop a positive relationship with the school. Since completing the eight- to ten-week program, Danny’s grades and school behavior have improved, and his family is more cohesive and stable.

The family now participates in FASTWORKS, the two-year follow-up support group. Here, families get together once a month for a meal and family outing and continue to expand the skills learned in FAST.