Families And Schools Together
What is FAST?
FAST is an early intervention,
family strengthening program. It is collaborative in approach,
working together with government organisations, funding bodies,
schools, communities, community services, health agencies and
families.
FAST Programs:
- Connect parents and kids to their schools and
communities
- Promote community service and provide local training and
employment
- Guide parents in building the strengths and unique
qualities in their kids
- Build skills and change attitudes through experiential
learning
- Assure that capable parents/caregivers remain the primary
agents of protection for their kids
Each of the five
FAST programs conforms to one of the development
stages in a child's life.
How FAST
Works
FAST is active in a
community over a 12 month period with consultations, planning,
training, intensive family sessions, evaluation and
follow-up.
Families
are invited to participate in eight weekly sessions commonly
held at a community centre or school. These multi-family sessions
engage parents and children in fun, structured and research-based
activities.
FAST programs are led by a trained local collaborative
"FAST Team" which includes parents, school personnel and community
agency representatives.
Families
graduate to FASTWORKS, a monthly follow-up meeting. FASTWORKS
evolves into a local family support network.
Tell me more…
FAST uses a whole family
approach. FAST is a school and
community based program, so that family, school and community
relationships can be strengthened.
FAST is a research based program, with each component
and program undergoing constant evaluation.
FAST across the world, including the
Northern Territory and the remainder of Australia has had
consistent evaluated results. A unique evaluation tool has been
designed to engage remote community participants.
FAST is a valuable investment of resources as it
bolsters child, family and community outcomes across the
social, educational, behavioural and mental
health domains.
FUNDING
FAST relies on the generosity of
sponsors, such as government, foundations, local businesses,
agencies and others to fund the program locally. Members of the
FAST Team contribute time, energy and expertise.