Pilot Testing of the Intervention Programme FAST (Families and School Together)

Richard Korinek, Kristyna Gabova, Zdenek Meier, Peter Tavel

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Our study employs an innovative methodology – the FAST (Families and Schools Together) programme from the USA and provides the results of its pilot testing in Czech schools. THEORETICAL BASE: Social work and mental health programmes are increasingly important, especially in the context of the growing number of children with mental health problems. The FAST programme, which has been successful even outside of the USA, has been piloted in Czech schools. The programme is facilitated by a multidisciplinary team of educators, social workers and parents. METHODS: The programme was implemented in 6 phasess in 4 elementary schools, and a total of 55 families participated; of these, 45 parents took part in the survey and 31 completed a feedback form following the programme. OUTCOMES: The presentation and the results ofthe p ilot test showed the potential for use in the Czech education system. The programme is comprehensible, interesting and beneficial for parents. While statically modest, a significant impact was demonstrated in two out of three areas targeted by the programme. SOCIAL WORK IMPLICATIONS: The FAST programme offers a structured approach promoting parenting competencies and creating informal groups that improve social functioning and contribute to the prevention of mental health problems in children. Social workers have an important role in protecting mental health care and parental involvement with the school.

Keywords
FAST programme, child mental health, parenting skills, school social work, prevention of mental health problems

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