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Family Life

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Click here to order the Building Family Strengths Curriculum.

Federal ID#: 57-6000-254

Society has undergone dramatic social, demographic and economic changes in this century that have deeply affected youth and their families in this country. The data on South Carolina families’ economic status, nutrition and health, housing conditions and their children’s school readiness, school achievement, risk behaviors and physical well-being provide a troublesome picture of the conditions in this state.

Families are critical in the physical, emotional, spiritual, and social development of children. Research indicates that families are unique and individual, yet share common strengths. We must remember that:

families are the source of love, protection, and identity for their members;
all families have strengths, but many today face exceptional challenges; and
families are the backbone of communities.

When families falter, children suffer. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service provides educational opportunities that build on protective factors such as social competencies, decision making, communication skills, and interpersonal relationships. These resources are designed to meet the needs of the family throughout the life cycle - prenatal to elderly.

The focus of the Extension Family Life program is two-fold.

Strengthening Family and Youth

Effective families contribute to positive individual development, a quality work place and workforce, caring communities, and a healthy nation. All families must be strengthened through programs which teach youth and adults coping skills, effective communication skills, effective decision-making and an appreciation of heritage. The “Building Family Strengths” program focuses on 10 characteristics for strong families. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers the following Building Family Strengths publications **:

FL 520 -- Building Family Strengths: Overview

FL 521 -- Building Family Strengths: Communications

FL 522 -- Building Family Strengths: Unity

FL 523 -- Building Family Strengths: Values

FL 524 -- Building Family Strengths: Contentment

FL 525 -- Building Family Strengths: Self-Esteem

FL 526 -- Building Family Strengths: Humor

FL 527 -- Building Family Strengths: History

FL 528 -- Building Family Strengths: Optimism

FL 529 -- Building Family Strengths: Resiliency

FL 530 -- Building Family Strengths: Spirituality

The ten (10) Family Strengths listed above provide the framework for a comprehensive approach to strengthening families by focusing on the developmental stages throughout the lifecycle. The Building Family Strengths curriculum for each age group includes educational information with activities / handouts to actively engage participants in experiential learning opportunities.

You can view sample lessons from the Building Family Strengths curriculum online.

Helping Families Cope During Times of Change

Programs in this area will strengthen the capacity of families to nurture, support and guide their members throughout their lives. Coping skills are designed and taught to both youth and adults.

Program Highlights

Family Life Education empowers youth, families and communities by providing educational programs that strengthen adults and youth and help families cope during times of change.

Available programs and resources are:

The “Taking Charge in Challenging Times” program is designed to help citizens cope with the financial and emotional impacts of periods of reduced income due to plant downsizing and military base closings, as well as from divorce, widowhood, and natural disasters. This Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service publication provides a workbook approach to evaluating the financial situation, maximizing resources, controlling spending, meeting financial obligations, and coping with stress. Audience target: adults (includes sections for helping children cope).
“Conflict Resolution” is designed to provide knowledge and skills necessary to cope in a variety of settings. The curriculum includes modules for elementary, middle, and high school students, as well as adults.
Resources for Families in Crisis - resources to help families cope with stressful events.

The following Family Life publications are available from Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service publications.

South Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences

The South Carolina Association of Family & Consumer Sciences is a state affiliate of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS). The AAFCS is recognized as “the comprehensive and integrative source of knowledge and the primary voice focusing on family, individual and community well-being.”

South Carolina Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences

Visit the SCEAFCS webpage. This site is devoted to the South Carolina Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, a state affiliate of the National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS).

Family Life Resources

Building Self Esteem Resources - the in-depth information directory about building self-esteem keeps you informed
Children Now - features information and news about children’s advocacy issues
Children’s Defense Fund - their goal is to educate the nation about the needs of children
Child Welfare Information Gateway - information & resources to help protect children and strengthen families
Chill Skills: Anger Management & Conflict Resolution for Professionals - PowerPoint presentation
CSREES - Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service
CSREES Families, Youth & Communities Emphasis Area - provides programs addressing critical issues relating to families, youth, and communities
CSREES Family Science & Human Development Program - provides research and education programs that help families
CYFERNet - Children, Youth, and Families Education and Research Network
Family Support America - the nation’s catalyst, clearinghouse, and thought leader in family support
Helping America’s Youth - a nationwide effort to benefit children and teenagers by encouraging action in family, school, and community
KIDS COUNT - a national and state-by-state effort to track the status of children in the United States
National Center for Children in Poverty - identifies and promotes strategies that prevent child poverty in the U.S. and that improve the lives of low-income children and their families
National Council on Family Relations - shares the development and dissemination of knowledge about families and family relationships
National Extension Relationship & Marriage Education Network - provides information on healthy relationship and marriage education efforts and resources
National P.T.A. - everychild. onevoice
PTA Central - a central information resource for PTA groups, PTO groups and other school related parent teacher organizations
Resources for Families in Crisis - resources to help a family during a crisis
SC AfterSchool Alliance - raise awareness, help to increase sustainability and promote the importance of quality after school programs in South Carolina
S.C. Budget & Control Board Office of Research & Statistics Homepage - gathers, analyzes, and publishes data vital to the social, health, and economic well being of South Carolina
Search Institute - a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide leadership, knowledge, and resources to promote healthy children, youth, and communities
September Smiles - offers practical and moral support to families facing the unexpected loss of a spouse, partner, or parent
South Carolina Department of Social Services - Statistics and services for children and families in S.C.
United Health Foundation - dedicated to helping consumers make informed health choices
United States Census Bureau - your source for social, demographic, and economic information
A World of Possibilities - a human development curriculum designed and developed by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service

For more information on the family life programs, contact Deborah Thomason.

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