G.R.E.A.T. Families Component

What is G.R.E.A.T. Families?

G.R.E.A.T. Families is a research-based, family-strengthening program consisting of two components: a six-session family curriculum and a family/community resource guide for G.R.E.A.T. facilitators. The G.R.E.A.T. Families curriculum uses group interaction, activities, and skills practice to engage parents and children ages 10 to 14 in order to foster positive family functioning. Each session is facilitated under the guidance of a specially trained G.R.E.A.T. Families lead facilitator. This lead facilitator works closely with two other cofacilitators to guide as many as ten (10) families (approximately 30 family members) through a variety of activities and discussion. Child care may be made available, by the sponsoring agency, for younger children of participating families.

By linking a universal family curriculum to specialized family assistance resources, G.R.E.A.T. Families provides G.R.E.A.T. officers with the basic tools needed to work effectively with families and family service agencies.

Goal

Strengthening communities by strengthening families through engaging parents and youth in cooperative lessons designed to facilitate better communication among family members and enhance family decision-making skills.

Program Structure

The curriculum consists of six sessions, covering a wide range of issues facing today's families. Families are encouraged to attend all six sessions. Each session is designed to encourage positive behaviors and interactions and promote healthy family development. The session topics are listed below.

Sessions:

Introduction to G.R.E.A.T. Families

Overview of G.R.E.A.T.
Family Needs Assessment
Truth and Myths About Gangs
The Role of Families in Healthy Communities

G.R.E.A.T. Communication

Communications Assessment
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Practice Listening Skills

G.R.E.A.T. Family Skills

Benefits of Having Clear, Constant Rules and Limits
Benefits of Parental Monitoring
Effective Discipline

G.R.E.A.T. Role Models

Applying Personal Values
Common Personal Dilemmas
Consistent Expectations and Actions

G.R.E.A.T. Family Relationships

Family Time Assessment
Family Priorities
Family Action Plan

Families in the Electronic Age

Influences: TV and Movies
Influences: Video Games
Internet Safety for Families

The G.R.E.A.T. Families Community Resource Guide

The feature that distinguishes G.R.E.A.T. Families from most other family-strengthening interventions is its community resource guide. As a "universal" program open to all families, G.R.E.A.T. Families should be viewed as a positive first step for participating families. The curriculum component covers life skills that can benefit any family. Some families, however, may need or want to participate in additional programs or activities designed to maintain or continue building a healthy family environment. Meeting the ongoing needs of families poses many challenges for G.R.E.A.T. officers and their agencies, which are committed to supporting positive family development in their communities. The community resource guide serves to help the G.R.E.A.T. officers better meet the needs of the families enrolled in the program and provides valuable information in response to questions, such as those listed below.

What alternative programs are available in the community to strengthen families?
Are there other resources—whether written, video-based, or on the Internet—that can be trusted to provide useful information or insight into ways to foster healthy family development?
Where can current, valid research on family issues be found?
How can a G.R.E.A.T. Families facilitator become more knowledgeable about other sources of program and funding support?

Summary

G.R.E.A.T. Families provides yet another enhancement to the community policing efforts of G.R.E.A.T. agencies nationwide. By working more closely with families to promote safe and healthy communities, G.R.E.A.T. is taking a significant step in its efforts to help our nation's youth lead healthy, violence-free lives.

Resources/Materials Needed to Conduct G.R.E.A.T. Families Training

Minimum Resources:

1 G.R.E.A.T. lead facilitator, 2 cofacilitators (for one 3-hour and five 2-hour sessions)
TV/VCR
Dry-erase board (large) with markers and erasers
2 flipcharts with easels and markers
Name tags
Main classroom to accommodate as many as 30, with breakout space for 15 people
Deck of playing cards
Twelve 12' lengths of 1/4" nylon rope (clothesline)
Printed handouts
Computer lab* with computers for each family (two families can share a computer)
- Needed for Session 6, "Internet Safety Class": Usually school libraries or media labs are available. A laptop/PowerPoint projector and screen can be used if a computer lab is not available.