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Fun FRIENDS, FRIENDS for Life and My FRIENDS Youth

CfC FP ObjectiveSupporting families and parents
Create strong child-friendly communities
School transition and engagement
Delivered toChildren aged 4 to 15 – the program can be delivered universally or targeted to children at risk
Delivered byEducators, early childhood professionals, clinicians and other education and /or health professionals
Delivery settingSchool-based; community-based 
Program developerFriends Resilience Organisation

About the program

Fun FRIENDS (4–7), FRIENDS for Life (8–9) and My FRIENDS Youth (10–15) are structured, group-based programs that teach children resilience, self–esteem and emotional skills such as coping with stress and worry, developing social skills, recognising and regulating emotions in self and others, positive thinking, problem solving and relaxation. 

Program structure

Each program is tailored for the appropriate age group. Fun FRIENDS (4-7) is delivered using a play-based group format. FRIENDS for Life (8-9) and My FRIENDS Youth (10-15) are delivered in schools or community settings using group-based cognitive behavioural therapy and pyscho-educational methods.

Evaluation and effectiveness

Several studies including randomised control trials (RCT) have shown positive outcomes in post–test results.

Fisak and colleagues undertook a meta-analytic review of the effectiveness of the FRIENDS program in 2023. The authors reviewed 41 RCTs that included studies from across 5 continents and 16 countries including Australia.

The review found that the FRIENDS program was more successful in reducing anxiety and depression in program participants at post-intervention and at 6 to 12-month follow up points relative to comparison groups. 

References

Fisak, B., Griffin, K., Nelson, C., Gallegos-Guajardo, J., & Davila, S., (2023). The effectiveness of the FRIENDS programs for children and adolescents: A meta-analytic review. Mental Health & Prevention. 30 doi:10.1016/j.mhp.2023.200271 

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