Abstract
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>McDonald describes a prevention program for children at risk for mental health problems. The social work program applies theories over two years: outreach, an eight-week multi-family group held at a school, followed by monthly meetings. The team leading the group must represent the ethnic make-up of the students, and includes a school representative, a parent, and two community members. The process is experiential learning, i.e. no handouts or lectures. For an hour each family sits at a family table doing family crafts, introductions, singing, having a meal, and playing family communication games. The next hour, children play separately and parents talk. Then, one parent and one child come together for 15 minutes of play in which the child takes the lead. (This is the core of the program.) After the “fixed lottery,” there is a closing circle. Throughout the process, team members coach the parents on what to do. These FAST processes empower the parents. FAST is evaluated using standardized measures with reliability, validity, and norms. Outcomes consistently show improvements in 1) children’s mental health, and 2) in social capital, i.e. relationships with other families of children at the school, and relationships with the school and the community. Average retention rates across the world are high: if a family comes once to the program, 80% will complete the eight-week program. Because the FAST program was rigorously evaluated with randomized controlled trials, cost-benefit analyses could be done. FAST is included on evidence-based lists by the US government, EU, and UNODC.</jats:p>