G.R.E.A.T. Trainings

G.R.E.A.T. Families Training

What Is G.R.E.A.T. Families?

G.R.E.A.T. Families is a research-based family-strengthening program consisting of two components: a six-session family curriculum and a family/community resource guide for G.R.E.A.T. facilitators. By linking a universal family curriculum to specialized family assistance resources, G.R.E.A.T. Families provides G.R.E.A.T. officers with the basic tools needed to work effectively with families and family service agencies.

The G.R.E.A.T. Families Curriculum Component

The G.R.E.A.T. Families curriculum consists of six facilitated sessions that use group interaction, activities, and skills practice to engage parents and children, ages 10 – 14, with the goal of fostering positive family functioning. Each session is facilitated under the guidance of a certified G.R.E.A.T. Families lead facilitator. This lead facilitator works closely with two other cofacilitators to guide as many as 10 families, approximately 30 family members, through a variety of activities and discussion.

The six sessions that comprise the curriculum cover a variety of general family issues. Each session is designed to encourage positive behaviors and promote healthy family development. The session topics include an introduction to G.R.E.A.T. Families, communication, practicing family skills, role models, enhancing family relationships, and families in the electronic age.

The G.R.E.A.T. Families Community Resource Component

The feature that distinguishes G.R.E.A.T. Families from most other family strengthening interventions is its community resource component. As a "universal" program open to all families, G.R.E.A.T. Families should be viewed as a positive first step for participating families. The curriculum component covers life skills that can benefit any family. Some families, however, may need or want to participate in additional programs or activities designed to maintain or build healthy family environments. Meeting the ongoing needs of families poses many challenges for G.R.E.A.T. agencies that want to support positive family development in their communities; for example:

What alternative programs are available in the community to strengthen families?
Are there other resources — whether written, video–based, or on the Internet - that can be trusted to provide useful information or insight into ways to foster healthy family development?
Where can current, valid research on family issues be found?
How can a G.R.E.A.T. Families facilitator become more knowledgeable about other sources of program and funding support?

The Family Community Resource Guide will help answer these and other questions for G.R.E.A.T. facilitators and the families they serve.

Training

Specialized training is available for certified G.R.E.A.T. officers who are interested in G.R.E.A.T. Families training. This intensive two-day training will prepare lead facilitators to plan, organize, and conduct G.R.E.A.T. Families in their communities. Certified lead facilitators are authorized to train their own cofacilitation teams. These teams can include teachers, youth counselors, parents, or other qualified adults who are committed to working with families.

The G.R.E.A.T. Families Training (GFT) is a two-day, 16-hour class. Only G.R.E.A.T. certified officers are eligible to attend GFT classes. See the GFT Training Schedule for a list of current training opportunities and the G.R.E.A.T. Families Training Application to apply for training.

If an officer is G.R.E.A.T. certified but has not taught in the classroom during the past three school years, it is recommended that he/she attend a regular 40-hour G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT) class prior to enrolling in the GFT. Click here to access the GOT Training Schedule and GOT Officer Training for information on GOT training and training schedule.

Summary

G.R.E.A.T. Families will provide yet another enhancement to the community policing efforts of G.R.E.A.T. agencies nationwide. By working more closely with families to promote safe and healthy communities, G.R.E.A.T. is taking a significant step in its efforts to help our nation's youth lead healthy, violence-free lives.

Resources/Materials Needed to Conduct G.R.E.A.T. Families Training

Minimum Resources:

1 G.R.E.A.T. lead facilitator, 2 cofacilitators (five 2-hour and one 3-hour sessions)
Computer lab with computers for each family (two families can share a computer)
TV/VCR
Dry erase board (large) with markers and erasers
2 flipcharts with easels and markers
Name tags
Main classroom to accommodate as many as 30, with breakout space for 15 people
Deck of playing cards
12 - 12' lengths of 1/4" nylon rope (clothesline)
Printed handouts

Needed for Session 6, "Internet Safety Class": Usually school libraries or media labs are available. A laptop/PowerPoint projector and screen can be used if a computer lab is not available

G.R.E.A.T. Officer Training (GOT)

Types of Trainings

Read the descriptions below to determine which training course you qualify for.

40-Hour Training	80-Hour Training
(1 week course)	(2 week course)
Officer must be a currently certified/sworn police officer with a minimum of 2 years experience and agree to teach the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum in uniform.	Officer must be a currently certified/sworn police officer with a minimum of 2 years experience and agree to teach the G.R.E.A.T. curriculum in uniform.
Officer must submit the signed "AGENCY COMMITMENT FORM"	Officer must submit the signed "AGENCY COMMITMENT FORM"
Officer must submit a school's signed "LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION AGENCIES COMMITMENT FORM"	Officer must submit a school's signed "LAW ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION AGENCIES COMMITMENT FORM"
You must have taught a structured curriculum such as D.A.R.E. or another school-based program at either the elementary or secondary school level within the past 2 years; or have a primary or secondary educational degree and have taught as part of a degree requirement; or taught as a NASRO teacher in a school system within the last 5 years. Please submit written documentation (e.g., copy of DARE/NASRO certificate or teaching certificate.)

Application Forms (40- & 80-Hour Trainings)

This five-page application consists of:

Instructor Training Application
Agency Commitment Form
Commitment between Law Enforcement and Education Agency to Implement form

*If applying for a 40-hour training, also include a copy of the officer's D.A.R.E. or teaching certificate.

Download Application Now

Training Costs

40-Hour & 80-Hour Training

Your Agency Pays For:
- Meals
- Transportation
What We Pay For:
- Instructors
- Lodging*

*If your selected training is at a remote site, indicated on the training schedule with a *, you are also required to pay for lodging.

Send Application(s) to (IIR)

G.R.E.A.T. Program Training Coordinator

Institute for Intergovemental Research (IIR)
Post Box 12729
Tallahassee, FL 32317-2729 USA

Toll Free: 800-726-7070
Fax: 850-386-5356

Website: www.great-online.org

Trainings

Families Training
GREAT Officer Training

Schedules

Applications

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