This is an article that appeared in the Examiner on Tuesday 13th January..

 IT IS not just drug users who can benefit from seeking help. Cork is leading the country in its implementation of a pioneering programme that seeks to heal families affected by drugs.
The Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) is a nationally and internationally recognised scheme for high-risk families, targeting 14 to 18-year-olds in particular. Those participating in the scheme may do so because of drug abuse, behavioural problems, aggression or loss of communication or violence.

The entire family must commit to a 14-week programme based around learning skills that will lead to responsible decision-making on issues such as drugs, alcohol and addressing conflict in the home.

Up and running in Cork since 2007, SFP is now being introduced to communities across the country.

"We had one case where a social worker called to ask us what we were doing such was the extent of the change that was taking place. It's highly effective in crisis management and it is creating plenty of national interest," Cork Local Drugs Task Force co-ordinator David Lane said.

The family skills training programme has been found to significantly reduce problem behaviour, delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse in children and to improve social competencies and school performance.

The service in Cork caters for eight to 10 families per 14-week programme, eight of which have been completed in Cork, meaning up to 80 families have benefited as a result of its introduction. More families have been recruited for the next phase of the programme in Cork, where family members will give up one evening per week to attend group sessions that include a family meal. "The meal just makes it easier for families to attend, if an evening meal does not need to be cooked at home it frees up time to attend the group sessions," Mr Lane explains.

From 6pm, family time is spent over a meal before the group is split into two, the children taking part in a group work session together for one hour while the parents, guardians, or foster parent participate in their own specialised adult programme. The final hour sees the family reunited and working together as a unit to address problems within the home.

"It's just one of a range of services available through youth groups, drugs initiatives and outreach services across Cork but it is proving highly-effective," said Mr Lane.