Published reports and current evaluations have shown that CF! is effective in improving parenting skills, family relationships, and family communication for parents whose substance use has resulted in involvement with child welfare and dependency drug courts. But as a whole-family recovery program, it is much more than that! Each session provides educational support that is age-appropriate for every member of the family. Further, Caregiver Pages are available for foster parents, or family members involved in Kinship programs, as well as to provide to parents. Caregiver Pages provide additional information so that every adult who cares for children in the program are aware of skills taught to better practice these skills in day-to-day situations in between sessions. Further, through the 0 Through 3 Years Supplement, parents of young children learn, experience, and practice family skills that support attachment, communication, social skills, and resiliency. Group leaders nurture the development of the attachment between parents and their young children.

Evaluation studies document CF!’s effectiveness in increasing the rate of reunification while decreasing the time.

Yes, there are three versions of Celebrating Families! to meet the needs of diverse populations. ¡Celebrando Familias! was created for Spanish speaking families and the Wellbriety/ Celebrating Families! Partnership supports Native American Families. Curriculum, training, and consultation support is available for these versions of the Celebrating Families! program.

CF! is a 16-week program. CF! builds healthy living skills and educates on important areas to promote healing and nurture resiliency. Every week families are introduced to, and practice, important skills with their peers and an age-appropriate manner. With the planning that takes place a few weeks prior to the program, and a final review after the program ends, a 16 week program can extend to 18 or 19 weeks in total for staffing considerations.

CF! can be provided by paid staff, volunteers, or community collaborations. An administrator/program coordinator is key. It is also advisable to ensure your team includes a person who is clinically trained. Depending upon the requirements of your state, one group leader may need prevention certification. It is also helpful to consider peer support specialists in healthy recovery for both addiction and family impact. Depending upon the size of your program, you may wish to start with a team of 8 – 10 group leaders.

After the family meal, families are divided into peer groups – one parents group and four children’s groups – where each group will need two group leaders. For small groups, at times a single group leader is successful with access to a floater who can provide assistance when needed. For online groups, two group leaders is always recommended.

Yes, group leader and train-the-trainer programs are available both in person and online. Trainings will help your team – staff, volunteers, or community collaborators – become more familiar with the program and prepared to work with your families!

• Reduces likelihood to USE ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, OR OTHER DRUGS. 4X LESS LIKELY TO SMOKE, 3X LESS LIKELY TO USE MARIJUANA, 2X LESS LIKELY TO DRINK. (*When families share 3+meals together each week)
• Helps build a sense of belonging. provides an opportunity to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships. Allows parents a chance to be role models.
• Helps teach children about family values and traditions.
• Allows families to enjoy each other’s company.  (emphasize to families that this is positive communication, not a time for difficult conversations or discipline).
• Provides an opportunity for the family to work together. Relationships are enhanced when family members work together to discuss menus, shop, prepare food, and enjoy together. Everyone’s contribution is meaningful.
• Establishes routines. can provide a sense of security. children thrive on predictability—knowing what will happen and when.

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