The term “family” has different meanings for different people and therefore can be defined in different ways. In many European countries, “family” is most often defined as a nuclear family, which means two partners and children, a single-parent family or joint custody. In most countries of the world, “family” is often defined as an extended family that includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, nephews/nieces and further relatives. A family can also consist of groups of people who are not necessarily related by blood but by strong social ties.

Families can provide us with the social support and sense of belonging that are important for human development, help us develop resilience and reduce the chances of developing behavioral difficulties. The family is usually the primary area of socialization. This means that children in the family learn important things, from how to speak, behave towards others and how to share and manage frustrations.

The family is an important context for development, and if the family is not functioning well, children are more likely to experiences difficulties. When families function well, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of difficulties arising. Family-oriented intervention strategies can begin before children are born, for example through programs that visit poor pregnant women expecting their first child. This type of intervention is aimed at changing parenting behavior, improving the well-being of mothers, improving child-mother relationships, and improving long-term developmental outcomes for youth.

Some of the most important family factors that affect children and youth development are: a good relationship between parents and children; discipline that is clear and firm but not harsh, that is “authoritative” but not “authoritarian” or cruel; communication of clear rules and expectations, along with the application of good supervision techniques regarding where and with whom the child spends time; upholding to family values; involvement in children’s life; emotional, cognitive and financial support of children by parents. If we strengthen these key factors within the family through intervention, we may be able to reduce behaviors suvh as the use of psychoactive substances.

Preventive family interventions are not intended only for “bad” parents, but are a foundation for building higher-quality family relationships. Family-oriented interventions involve teaching parents, depending on the child’s age, about structuring family life, quality interaction with children, involvement in the child’s life, and setting clear boundaries about behaviors that are not allowed.

Association NARKO-NE implements the Strong Families preventive program, which supports parents/guardians in challenging environments in raising children and strengthens the positive functioning and interaction of the family. The program belongs to universal prevention.