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Fostering Resilience in At-Risk Youth: A Critical Exploration of Strengths and Strategies of

the Family Strengthening Program's Multifaceted Approach

Introduction

The Family Strengthening Program (FSP) arises as a pillar of support in the London Borough of

Southwark following the growing concern around adolescent mental and behavioral health

(LGA, 2022). FSP, which is supported by the Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit,

concentrates on a whole-family strategy to lessen violence among the youths (VRU, 2023). The

program employs a cohesive methodology geared toward parents, caregivers, and critical

guardians for Caribbean and mixed Caribbean origin youth facing the possibility of school

expulsion. FSP integrates peer-to-peer assistance, therapeutic group work, and instructional

courses using the skills of therapists and clinical leads (SFSC, 2022). The objective is to

strengthen the abilities, expertise, and participant’s commitment to support their development as

"agents of change."

In addition to receiving crucial support, the participants are also accorded with the freedom over

their own lives, key in fostering forward-thinking benchmark for community involvement and

young people's wellbeing. In this paper, the FSP and its strategy for handling behavioral and

mental health problems in adolescents will be critically examined. The analysis explores the root

causes the mental health crisis, evaluating how FSP's approaches fit the associated psychological

theories, examine FSP’s impact, and provide conclusive commendations based on solid research

for increasing FSP’s efficacy and reach.

Factors influencing adolescent behavioral and mental health issues

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Globally, adolescent behavioral and mental health problems are on the rise. Approximately 15%

of young people aged 10 to 19 experience a mental health disorder, which represents 13% of the

age group's total worldwide disease burden (WHO, 2021). According to a 2022 follow-up poll in

England, 18.0% of children aged 7 to 16 and 22.0% of adolescents aged 17 to 24 had a suspected

mental condition (Newlove-Delgado et al., 2022). Al-Zawaadi et al. (2021) attribute the causes

behind this epidemic spread increasingly dangerous home situations proving stressful for kids.

Numerous factors, including family dynamics and parenting styles, play a part in creating hostile

home environments for children and teenagers. For instance, lacking nurturing and protective

parenthood can cause children to experience higher levels of stress and cortisol, which has been

known to cause the expression of inherited genes linked to risk (Hertzman & Boyce, 2010). In

fact, scholars argue that these environmental influences, together with parenting practices, can

change the genetic makeup of future generations (Schiele et al., 2020).

The most frequent cause of all is the stress and expectations bombarding this group by society,

which can foster an environment where mental health might suffer. According to Jiang et al.

(2022), these include the effect of social media, academic stress, and societal expectations. In

addition to instability in the family's finances engrossed with deficiency in accessing mental

healthcare which may cause stress and tension, the mental health of a child significantly

deteriorates in violent, abusive, and neglectful homes (Wainberg et al., 2017). Therefore,

initiatives like the FSP, which emphasizes early intervention, parental supervision, and public

contribution, are essential in tackling these interrelated issues. Notably, FSP’s uniqueness stems

from the smooth integration of psychological theories with cutting-edge, specially crafted

activities created for its target clientele. FSP’s integration guarantees cultural sensitivity

considerations ensuring a scientific-based psychological framework is adhered.

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A tailored scientific approach of FSP integration with psychological theories.

The application of FSP activities is underpinned by seven important psychological ideas. Firstly,

attachment theory alias Bowlby and Ainsworth’s theory focus on a strong and secure connection

between the caregiver and the child (By et al., 2023). FSP applies this idea by encouraging

healthy parental-child caring relationship acknowledging that it is the backbone of a child’s

behavioral and emotional growth (Anderson, 2008). Secondly, by understanding the

interconnectedness of a family system, FSP applies systemic family therapy by involving the

entire family ensuring a sustainably integrated behavioral management approach (Watson, 2012).

Besides, one of the core practices of FSP is the integration of group workshops and peer-to-peer

provision conceding the role of social settings on learning outcomes. Accordingly, the social

learning is an idea FSP leverages by encouraging imitations, modeling, and observations as a

collaborative strategy strengthening the social network and support in the community (LaMonte,

2019). Archibald (2011) reiterates the significance of considering cultural settings and values of

African-Caribbean and mixed-race groups when designing interventions that appeal to them. By

applying this idea, FSP modifies tools and strategies to suit various cultural practices, beliefs,

and traditions thanks to their sensitivity to cultural quirks.

Another psychological idea FSP borrows is the strength-based approach. According to Pattoni

(2019), building on innate strengths and resilience develops self-efficacy and control, enabling

families to become agents of change in their own lives by identifying and utilizing the strengths

already present within the family and community. Likewise, FSP acknowledges the high

probability that many families having experienced stress, adversity and trauma and thus apply

the trauma-informed care approach sensitively providing support and a therapeutic safe

environment for inquiries and healing fostering growth (Wilson et al., 2013). Finally, FSP's
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emphasizes on creating support networks, public involvement, and involved design based on

community psychology concepts guaranteeing long-lasting and public-focused approach. FSP’s

initiatives conform with community values and need promoting ownership, liability, and long-

term effects (Walker, 2011).

FSP’s Impact on Targeted Demographic

The FSP’s target group is essentially vulnerable because of a number of interrelated

circumstances exposing them to increased risk school expulsion which implies handing racial,

cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral issues. Therefore, it is vital to comprehend how the FSP

supports parental empowerment under these circumstances.

Firstly, FSP increases its effectiveness by incorporating cultural competency into every aspect of

its strategy. Given the FSP's emphasis on African-Caribbean and mixed-race populations,

cultural sensitivity and relevance are of utmost significance (Archibald, 2011). FSP’s tools

acknowledge the cultural values, traditions, and customs, making them appealing to its targeted

audience. This entails adjusting interventions and messages to fit with cultural practices,

household roles, and social dynamics (Stubbe, 2020). Additionally, involvement and

participation are improved through rapport building with families via culturally appropriate

techniques and language. Furthermore, peer-to-peer assistance and community-based therapy

group work strengthens cultural ties and creates a sense of belonging.

Secondly, it takes a deeper awareness of the underlying problems—which may be deeply

ingrained in character, self-worth, peer pressure, or family dynamics—to address the unique

behavioral challenges confronted by teenagers on the verge of school exclusion (Segrott et al.,

2022). A customized solution is unlikely to be successful, but FSP takes a sophisticated method
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to these problems. FSP fosters personal connection with children and identify the underlying

causes of behavioral issues by customizing therapies to meet each child's requirements (Segrott

et al., 2022). The program's total impact and effectiveness are increased by this customized

approach, which presents the program as a cutting-edge model applicable to other communities

with comparable behavioral problems.

Socioeconomic factors are crucial in determining the difficulties that families, particularly those

from disadvantaged homes, encounter while trying to manage their children's behavioral issues.

Lack of access to basic resources, economic stress, insecure housing, or surrounding pressures

are not only incidental concerns; they are frequently entangled with the fundamental behavioral

disorders that may result in school exclusion (Bauer et al., 2021). The FSP approach

acknowledges the complexity of these problems and works to provide all-encompassing

solutions. The FSP is effective as it treats the underlying socioeconomic reasons as well as the

symptoms by including social support alongside therapeutic methods (Segrott et al., 2022). This

may be introducing families to neighborhood resources, conducting training on financial literacy,

helping with housing concerns, or providing assistance in navigating social services.

When dealing with the educational system, parents whose children have been expelled from

school may feel scared, alone, or powerless. FSP offers negotiating powers on these issues not

only boosting parental confidence but also encouraging fruitful cooperation with schools (Segrott

et al., 2022). Thus, in keeping with the NICE recommendations, FSP provides parents with the

resources they need to advocate for their kids in schools (NICE, 2022). The program's

tremendous influence is highlighted by evaluations and comments from focus groups and

interviews. In line with NICE's request for parental involvement in a whole-school strategy,

parents increasingly feel empowered to approach schools and establish communication (NICE,
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2022). This increased self-assurance also guarantees that parents take an active role in their

children's education. FSP efficiently bridges the gap between parents, schools, and pertinent

standards through its diverse techniques, highlighting its significance.

Furthermore, FSP's offers one-on-one therapeutic support provisions essential in enabling

parents to identify and resolve the root cause of psychological difficulties of their children

(Lodder et al., 2021). For parents to grasp underlying causes and establish personalized coping

mechanisms, these sessions provide a safe environment for open communication (Segrott et al.,

2022). Thus, parents can make durable adjustments to their family dynamics through promoting

resilience and empowerment. The therapy sessions adhere to research-proven techniques

including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory, offering a thorough and

efficient approach (Lodder et al., 2021). The knowledge and understanding gained also have a

lasting effect, creating the foundation for continuing family wellbeing and growth.

Another aspect is FSP's skill development program which is crucial in helping parents handle the

behavioral problems that are typically the cause of a child's exclusion from school. The

program's all-encompassing strategy for family empowerment and resilience includes the

provision of skills-building seminars and peer support training (Coombes et al., 2012). The goal

of these seminars is to provide parents with useful, hands-on tactics they may use to regularly

connect with their kids (Coombes et al., 2012). These might include methods for clear

communication, establishing limits, handling conflicts, and rewarding good behavior. The

flexibility of these tools, which allows for customization to meet the unique requirements,

cultural values, and contextual realities of the families involved, is what distinguishes the FSP.

The tools are more relatable and usable as a result of this personalization, which increases their

usefulness in practical applications.

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Lastly, a key tenet in fostering communal harmony and family resilience is the development of

support networks as FSP’s framework (SFP, 2022). Peer-to-peer provision is emphasized in the

curriculum because it recognizes the important part done by the community in maintaining

emotional and mental health. It can be a lonely path for many parents to deal with the difficulties

of behavioral problems in their kids. This journey is sometimes accompanied by emotions of

failure, guilt, or social stigma. This idea of isolation is refuted by the peer-to-peer assistance

system (Ganie et al., 2022). The program cultivates a forum where people may discuss

experiences, problems, and tactics by bringing together parents who have similar issues, goals,

and experiences. Not only does this approach provide useful guidance, but it also offers

emotional support.

Recommendations

Like all other programs, FSP can be made more effective to maximize its advantages for both

parents and their children. Continuous professional growth is essential to provide an updated

program with cutting-edge therapy strategies, interventions, and scientific discoveries, according

to several proposals for enhancing FSP's effectiveness (SFP, 2018). FSP can use online platforms

and tools, such as mobile apps that give parents access to information, support, and channels for

contact. FSP can build on the peer-to-peer support system, implement a peer mentorship

program, and strengthen relationships with schools to develop integrated intervention plans in

addition to sharing experiences and success tactics. Finally, engaging young people directly in

the development of the program and in its evaluation (Segrott et al., 2022). Their opinions can

provide important insights into the difficulties individuals confront and how solutions are

connecting with them. If at all possible, expanding the availability and accessibility of private
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therapeutic counseling sessions could help a larger population receive more in-depth,

individualized assistance.

Conclusion

FSP has become a reliable and adaptable tool for parenting advice and behavior management,

showing a significant impact on the intended audience. It has produced a personalized and

scientific approach that has a strong emotional resonance by blending psychological theories in a

distinctive way with cutting-edge techniques catered to the particular requirements and cultural

sensitivities of its audience. Its success is woven into an innovative fabric that encourages peer

support, facilitates the sharing of experiences, and provides necessary resources to enable

advocacy and service accessibility. Although there are capacity-related difficulties, these do not

overwhelm the program's successes. Instead, they act as reminders of the necessity for ongoing

reflection, adaptation, and development. The FSP presents a moving portrait of a program that is

not only successful but also incredibly sympathetic.

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