The Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MI) is happy to announce the release of the Building Family Connections (BFC) curriculum. MI is currently offering curriculum training events for community- and faith-based organizations that are interested in providing the dynamic Building Family Connections (BFC) course for parenting adults in their communities.

The BFC curriculum, funded and reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teaches parenting adults skills to improve parent-child connectedness and effective communication strategies. The 10 hour course empowers parents and parenting adults (grandparents or other adults who care for children either at work or home) with medically accurate sexual health information to begin the lifelong conversation with youth about sex and healthy relationships. The program aims to postpone the age of sexual debut in youth nationwide by increasing parental involvement in sexual health and abstinence education.

Risky sexual behavior such as early sexual debut and multiple partners put youth at risk for HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and nonmarital pregnancy. Fortunately, effective parenting strategies, including monitoring, effective communication, and parent-child connectedness can protect youth from risky sexual behaviors. Through the BFC curriculum, participants learn how to communicate effectively with youth about avoiding risky sexual behaviors and their consequences.

MI has already certified many BFC trainers to hold training courses across the country. If you are interested in MI providing training for your organization, or for further information, please contact: Melissa Steiner, MSA, CHES at msteiner@medinstitute.org or (512) 328-6268 ext. 202.