Coping Power Program

Coping Power for parents and their at-risk children consists of two components (Parent Focus and Child Focus) designed to impact four variables that have been identified as predicting substance abuse (lack of social competence, poor self-regulation and self-control, poor bonding with school, and poor caregiver involvement with child). The program's Child component emphasizes problem-solving and conflict management techniques, coping mechanisms, positive social supports, and social skill development. The Parent component teaches parents skills to manage stress, identify disruptive child behaviors, effectively discipline and reward their children, establish effective communication structures, and manage child behavior outside the home. Coping Power is a 16-month program delivered during the 5th and 6th grade school years. Children attend 22 group sessions in 5th grade and 12 group sessions in 6th grade. Groups are led by a school-family program specialist and a guidance counselor. Children also receive half hour individual sessions once every two months. Parents attend 11 group sessions during their children's 5th grade year and five sessions during the 6th grade year.