a different approach to supporting families: inside the community reinforcement and family training (craft) program

Since February, Stefanie Jaswal, SUDP counselor, and Price Gass, MH therapist with YFS, have been teaching Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) skills to parents and caregivers of the youth and young adults we serve. The CRAFT program offers a structured, evidence-informed approach that empowers families to support change with compassion, practicality, and effectiveness. When someone struggles with substance use, the effects reach far beyond the individual, affecting families, relationships, and entire support systems. Too often, loved ones feel overwhelmed, unsure how to help, and caught between concern and frustration.

CRAFT is based on the belief that lasting, positive change is more likely when relationships are strengthened rather than strained. Instead of relying on confrontation or ultimatums, CRAFT teaches participants to use effective communication, reinforce healthy behaviors, and set clear boundaries to help influence their loved one’s choices. Its goal is not only to encourage treatment engagement but also to support the well-being of the entire family.

At the heart of the program is skill-building. Participants learn concrete techniques for communicating clearly and effectively, reducing conflict, and responding constructively to substance use behaviors. This includes recognizing triggers, reinforcing non-using behaviors, and disengaging patterns that unintentionally support continued use. These tools help shift interactions from reactive to intentional, transforming everyday moments into opportunities for positive influence. 

Equally important is the program’s focus on self-care and resilience. Families navigating substances often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. CRAFT acknowledges this reality by placing a strong emphasis on the health and well-being of participants themselves. Through guided discussions and supportive group environments, individuals are encouraged to reconnect with their own needs, rebuild confidence, and reduce feelings of isolation.

Another defining strength of the CRAFT model is its accessibility and adaptability. It meets families where they are, regardless of whether their loved one is currently seeking help. This makes it especially valuable for those who feel “stuck” waiting for change or unsure of the next step. By equipping participants with practical strategies that they can apply immediately, the program creates a sense of momentum and empowerment, even in uncertain circumstances.

CRAFT represents more than a program; it is a shift in perspective. It reframes the role of families from helpless observers to active agents of change, capable of influencing outcomes while maintaining compassion and respect. There, it offers renewed hope: not just that their loved one can move toward recovery, but that healthier, more supportive relationships are possible along the way.

As communities continue to seek effective responses to substance use challenges for youth and young adults, programs like CRAFT stand out for their balance of evidence-based practice and human-centered care. 

By investing in families, Stefanie and Price are helping build stronger foundations for recovery, one relationship at a time. Youth and Family Services are excited to see this program continue to grow in the coming year. Beginning in July, we will offer additional weekly groups and individual skill-building opportunities for parents and caregivers.

Interested in joining the next CRAFT parent group? For more information or to register, contact Stefanie Jaswal at stefaniej@friendsofyouth.org.