FAST Top Programme in the UK

FAST assessed in top level, as 1 of 10 UK evidence based parenting programmes.

The UK government funded NAPP (National Academy of Parenting Practitioners), (www.parentingacademy.org) conducted the final ratings for the FAST (Families and Schools Together) Programme, for ages 4-12. (www.familiesandschools.org) NAPP research consultants reviewed the programme content, the training and support structure, and the rigour of the research (see attached). FAST got graded in the highest category: #4 for each domain.

This positive rating is expected to directly link to NAPP funding for training FAST in England. There is a strong possibility that 150 parenting practitioners on 15 teams across England will be trained and child and family outcomes evaluated over the next year with UK government monies.

This finding is consistent with multiple government agencies in the USA that have graded FAST in the highest category. For example, in 2003 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recognized FAST as a model program with numerous positive outcomes, replicated in a variety of program adaptations. Like NAPP, they consider FAST "model" because:

• it is based on well researched behavioural and cognitive science
• it has been rigorously studied and tested in clinical environments with control groups and found to be effective
• it addresses numerous risk and protective factors in high-fidelity program formats in all socio-economic segments and cultural groups
• it is fun! Kids and parents love it.