Development of an online facilitator training programme for Strong Families - an open-source family skills prevention programme aiming to prevent a broad spectrum of risk behaviours - Karin Haar, Day 4, 09:00-10:29

Presented as part of the Uniting the global community to face the challenge of addiction event, online on 15th May, 2022

Presentation:

• Development of an online facilitator training programme for Strong Families - an open-source family skills prevention programme aiming to prevent a broad spectrum of risk behaviours - Karin Haar

Abstract:

• Development of an online facilitator training programme for Strong Families - an open-source family skills prevention programme aiming to prevent a broad spectrum of risk behaviours - Karin Haar

Strong Families is a family skills programme developed for families living in challenged settings. It’s delivered through 3 sessions over 3 weeks. Facilitators are usually trained in person over two full days, however due to COVID-19, an online training platform was developed. It contains the training manual as interactive pdf, with videos explaining the most difficult exercises, and click-and-reveal activities to check understanding. We further blended a synchronous and asynchronous course format to allow facilitators in different time zones integration into their working days. Assessments were done via quizzes and assignments (mainly video recordings of their performance). Additionally, we held four 2-hour webinars with feedback while preparing the training content forward.

So far, the platform is available in 6 languages, benefitting facilitators from 9 countries. Families have been reached through these facilitators and data on child mental health, resilience and parenting practices are being assessed.

The transformation of an interactive in-person prevention skills training programme to an e-learning platform was feasible, however impact and fidelity need to be compared to conventionally trained facilitators. While this new modality has been key in reaching facilitators during times of restrictions, we aim to further test it supporting fidelity during national scale up.

Other author names

• Aala El-Khani
• Mara Urlicic
• Wadih Maalouf