Pensacola, FL – (August 15, 2018) Families seeking support for children with disruptive behavior problems will benefit from access to Stop Now and Plan (SNAP), a leading children’s mental health program, thanks to legislative approval to roll out this evidence-based program throughout the state.

This program is sponsored by the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services, and funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice, allowing the services to be provided without cost to the families.

“We are excited to have additional funding support to keep kids in the classroom and out of the courtroom,” said Beth Deck, Regional Director of Northwest Region for Lutheran Services Florida
(LSF).

“Implementing prevention programs like this gives us the opportunity to reduce juvenile delinquency, strengthen families and keep families together. These efforts will bring dramatic social change to the Pensacola area, creating safer children, stronger families and more vibrant communities.”

SNAP is a proven, evidence-based, gender-sensitive program that teaches school-aged children with behavioral problems, and their parents or caregivers, how to make better choices “in the moment” by increasing emotional regulation, self-control and problem-solving skills. Children who have completed the 13-week SNAP program demonstrate reduced aggressive, antisocial and rule-breaking behavior, in addition to a reduction in future criminal activity. Parents also participate in concurrent SNAP sessions and report less stress in their interactions with their children and increased confidence in managing their behavior.

The program will be added to Lutheran Services Florida’s portfolio in the Northwest region beginning this fall. LSF has been serving Pensacola since 1990 when it opened the doors to Currie House Youth Shelter. LSF has continued to add programs to their residential and nonresidential counseling for at risk youth and their families. In 1995, LSF opened their Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, which now serves as the mental health treatment provider in the Gulf Coast Kid’s House. In addition, LSF provides services to adults through the Ryan White and Guardianship programs.

LSF is working to educate the community about SNAP services, as well as reintroduce them to the other programs LSF offers throughout Northwest Florida. To learn more about SNAP and services provided by LSF, please contact the administrative office at 850-453-2772.

Media Contact:
Terri Durdaller, LSF Associate VP of Communications
Terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org
813-802-8790

About Lutheran Services Florida: (LSF) is a non-profit organization, transforming lives by ensuring safe children, strong families and vibrant communities. Founded in 1982, LSF currently touches the lives of 1 in 50 Floridians every year through various programs, including early education, youth shelters, foster care, refugee and resettlement services, substance abuse mental health services, and adult guardianship. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, LSF has more than 60 programs throughout Florida and approximately 1,200 dedicated employees.