Familias Unidas Prevention and Behavioral Health Lab

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MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to advance the well-being of Hispanic youth and their families through rigorous, culturally grounded research and the translation of evidence-based interventions into real-world practice. Through the development, evaluation, and dissemination of programs such as Familias Unidas and Familias con Orgullo, we partner with schools, primary care systems, and community organizations to reduce health disparities and promote thriving across generations. We are committed to collaborative science, community engagement, and actionable solutions that uplift families in the U.S. and beyond.

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a world where all Hispanic youth and their families have access to effective, culturally responsive supports that foster resilience, health, and opportunity. Our goal is to be a global leader in family-focused prevention science bridging research and practice, shaping policy, and empowering communities across diverse settings. We create lasting global impact for families through innovation and teamwork.

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Upcoming Event

FAMILIAS UNIDAS INAUGURAL CONFERENCE 2026

The Familias Unidas Inaugural Conference is a groundbreaking event bringing together national and international community partners, researchers, and implementation sites committed to advancing family-centered, evidence-based interventions for Hispanic youth and families.

This conference will provide opportunities for networking, shared learning, and meaningful discussion around key areas such as recruitment, implementation, sustainability, challenges, successes, and future directions for collaboration and research development.

Date: October 22–23, 2026
Location: University of Miami, Coral Gables
Event Link: https://events.miami.edu/event/familias-unidas-inaugural-conference-2026

Further Insights

WHAT IS FAMILIAS UNIDAS?

Familias Unidas is an evidence-based program designed to support Hispanic families with adolescents ages 12–17. The program promotes healthy youth development by strengthening family functioning, enhancing communication, and increasing parental involvement.

 

KEY COMPONENTS

 - Target Population: Hispanic families with adolescents (12–17).

 - Program Goals: Reduce substance use, decrease risky sexual behaviors, and improve mental and behavioral health outcomes.

 - Program Approach: Strengthen protective factors such as effective parenting and positive communication through culturally tailored strategies.

 - Program Structure: Delivered through parent group sessions and family visits focused on parenting, monitoring, and problem‑solving skills.

 - Evidence Base: Multiple randomized controlled trials demonstrate significant reductions in adolescent substance use and improvements in family relationships.

 

WHY FAMILIAS UNIDAS?

Familias Unidas is committed to empowering Hispanic families and their adolescents through culturally informed, evidence‑based strategies that prevent substance use, sexual risk behaviors, and behavioral problems. Our multi‑level approach strengthens protective factors—such as parental involvement and healthy communication—while addressing risk factors like poor adolescent engagement. By fostering strong connections at the family, peer, and school levels, we promote resilience, well‑being, and positive development for Hispanic youth.

 

WHY IT WORKS

Familias Unidas is a research-based intervention rooted in ecodevelopmental theory, focusing on how family, peers, school, and community shape adolescent behavior.  By targeting the factors that most strongly affect youth outcomes, the program addresses the root causes of risky behaviors and supports long-term well‑being.

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