FAST is collaborative, starts early, works with families in groups, and puts research into practice. FAST starts by creating culturally representative teams based on a collaboration between parents and professionals from the local school and two community based agencies.
People have fun.
There is a meal and family communication games at a family table, time with peer groups to get familiar and connected, one to one quality time between a parent and a child, and finally a closing circle. FAST applies family stress theory, family systems theory, social bonding theory, and community development theory into an accessible format at the grassroots community level. Each activity has a research study justifying why and how to do it to maximize its impact on the relationship building process. All of these results are predictable outcomes, if the team has been trained and then implements the core components of the process as specified. As part of the FAST quality assurance structure, there are updated FAST program manuals, videos, and Certified FAST Trainers who come to your local site to help your team problem solve and understand which aspects of FAST you can adapt to your local unique circumstances.