Families and Schools Together (FAST) is set of preventive/early intervention after-school programs designed to enhance the learning climate inside schools and communities and by so doing improve the behavior and resilience of children.
Families taking part attend a weekly group meetings over a two month period. They are also coached in responsive play techniques and given parenting advice. Regular attendance is intended to build trust and friendships among parents and strengthen social support networks.
For its proven effectiveness, particularly with elementary schoolchildren, it is classified as a model program by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
