The City of Santa Fe’s Children and Youth Commission is tasked yearly with grant management, program planning, service integration, data analysis, and program evaluation on alternative to detention programs that serve youth at risk or youth offenders. The Strengthening Families Program aims to reduce recidivism by providing students and parents with skills training classes and structured family activities that emphasize the improvement of family relationships. The City of Santa Fe will allocate Children, Youth & Families Department (CYFD) funds to provide delinquency interventions and reduce recidivism in juveniles. The subcontractor for Strengthening Families will deliver the Strengthening Families curriculum to middle and high school students (10-17 yo) and their parents or caregivers. These participants will be referred into the program for early intervention to address problematic school behaviors, promote positive behaviors, reduce alcohol and drug use, alleviate stress, and strengthen relationships with caregivers. Parents will learn essential parenting skills such as setting limits, fostering positive relationships, enhancing child management abilities (including monitoring youth), and consistently following through with consequences. The program emphasizes building healthy family dynamics by teaching coping skills, providing resources, and supporting the family as a whole. This program model consists of 12 sessions per cohort, with both youth and parents/caregivers. Sessions will occur once per week and last 2 hours. During the first hour, youth and adult groups meet separately to learn role-specific skills. In the second hour, the groups come together to practice the skills they’ve learned. The program should be adapted to meet the needs of culturally diverse families. Referrals will be arranged once the contracts are signed. The subcontractor must provide proof of training before delivering Strengthening Families sessions to the community. The expenditures will begin in FY26 on July 1, 2025.
