Functional Family Therapy (FFT)

Grades K-12

Contact: Kathleen Shafer
390 S. 1530 E., Room 502
Salt Lake City, UT 84112
Phone: 801/585-1807, Fax: 801/581-5841

FFT is an outcome-driven, family-based intervention for youth who have demonstrated the entire range of maladaptive, acting-out behaviors and related syndromes. FFT's effectiveness derives from emphasizing factors that enhance protective factors and reduce risk. FFT is implemented in phases that build upon each other. In rigorous evaluations, FFT has consistently produced sustained reductions in juvenile recidivism and sibling entry into high-risk activities when compared to a variety of other individual and group-based treatments. These reductions in adolescent disruptive behavior disorders have been accomplished at smaller expense than alternative approaches. FFT is a short-term change program that motivates families to deal with barriers to change. Specific strategies are then individualized for families to produce positive changes in family communication and problem-solving, parenting, and the use of community resources.

Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Model Program
US Department of Education, 1998