BRIEF STRATEGIC
FAMILY THERAPY
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES & UNLOCKING HOPE
Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) program uses a structured family-systems approach to support families with youth who display or are at risk for developing problem behaviors including substance abuse, conduct problems, and delinquency. The goals of BSFT are to reduce risk factors associated with the youth’s behavior while also improving family functioning, communication, and collaboration. This service is delivered in the home or community, with the frequency dependent on the family’s level of need.
BFST is available in Oswego County only.
BFST Overview
BFST is designed for families with children ages 6 to 17 years old who exhibit signs of anxiety and depression and may also be at risk for substance use, anti-social behaviors, bullying, and truancy. The goal of BFST is to improve a family’s functioning, enhance communication, and increase positive behaviors by addressing underlying issues in the family’s dynamic.
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- Organize a proactive work team by developing a therapeutic alliance with each individual and with the family as a whole.
- Identify interactional patterns that are associated with problematic youth behavior by prompting and observing family interactions.
- Develop a treatment strategy aimed at capitalizing on strengths and correcting problematic family relations.
- Implement targeted strategies and assign tasks that reinforce more effective, adaptive, and sustainable family interactions.
Eligibility
At this time, our BFST program is only working with families and youth who have an open preventive services case in Oswego County. Please contact your assigned county caseworker or Oswego County Family Services to enroll in our program.
Additional Community Resources
When life’s challenges leave you seeking help, there are place you can turn to in thecommunity for support.
