FAST (Families and Schools Together) Program included in National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices

We are pleased to announce that the FAST NREPP application was approved and that FAST is now listed as one of the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP), a service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

 NREPP is a searchable database of interventions for the prevention and treatment of mental and substance abuse disorders.  SAMHSA has developed this resource to help people, agencies, and organizations implement programs in their communities. 

All programs listed on NREPP go through an extensive review process and are rated on their quality of research and on readiness for dissemination.  FAST received very high scores on the quality of research (3.7 on a scale of 0-4.0), and a perfect score (4.0) for readiness and dissemination.  The review states that "excellent materials and a strong implementation model support the implementation of the program".

The application process was exhaustive and took four years to complete.  A huge part of the credit for this accomplishment has to go to Professor of Social Work, Dr. Lynn McDonald, for spending over ten years conducting experimental design research on FAST with academic colleagues.  Jackie Roessler, Meredith Trahan, Phyllis Scalia, and Aase Villadsen.  Without their tireless work on the NREPP application, this would not have become a reality.  Being on the NREPP list gives organizations wishing to do FAST the ability to apply for funds under SAMHSA.  This is an important accomplishment for FAST, and we are very prout to be listed on NREPP's list of evidence-based programs.