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This paper is divided into three parts. First, we analyze data from the 2016-2020 American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau to assess the demographic structure of Florida families. We find differences between Florida and other parts of the United States. These differences are the result of trends and patterns in migration to, from and within the state. Second, we examine the role that disasters in general and hurricanes in particular play in the family life of Floridians. Third, we review the literature to assess how responses to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced family life and the migration of families into, out of, and within Florida. This paper highlights the dramatic changes that have occurred in family life in Florida. The implications of these trends are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Families Facing the Future (FFF) is an intervention designed specifically for families with a parent in methadone treatment. FFF is unique because it addresses prevention for children and recovery for parents in a single intervention. The primary goals of the program are to prevent parents' relapse, help them cope with relapse if it occurs, and teach parenting skills in order to reduce the likelihood of substance use among their children. FFF has been implemented as an adjunct to treatment in several Opioid Treatment Programs, but has not been widely adopted due to various implementation barriers. The aims of this study, therefore, were to (1) assess the perceived feasibility of implementing FFF and (2) identify/describe barriers to implementing FFF. An online survey was used to assess implementation feasibility, while individual qualitative interviews were conducted to explore specific barriers to implementation. Data collection from a total of 40 participants (20 patients and 20 providers) was conducted from August 2022 to October 2022 at two Opioid Treatment Programs in Florida. Analyses revealed high feasibility scores, indicating that FFF was viewed by both patients and providers as a practical intervention to implement. Despite strong perceived feasibility of the intervention, qualitative findings identified several implementation barriers with respect to difficulty attending parent training sessions, aversion to in-home visits, and lack of funding (inability to provide patient incentives/bill insurance). This study provides evidence that while patients and providers view FFF as having high feasibility, significant implementation barriers exist. This paper fills a void in the literature by informing if and which modifications might be necessary to facilitate wider adoption of FFF in real-world Opioid Treatment Program settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To prevent opioid-related overdose among high risk youth, research on the predictors of opioid misuse (OM) initiation among justice-involved children (JIC) is needed. Living in a single-parent household, an important adverse childhood experience, is prevalent among JIC and linked to substance abuse. It is hypothesized that JIC who live in single-parent households will have a higher likelihood of meeting criteria for past-30 day OM than those who live in two-parent households. Methods: The data in this paper were obtained from the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (FLDJJ). Cross-sectional data on 79,960 JIC from FLDJJ were examined. To test the hypothesis, multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. Results: Over 2,000 JIC in the sample met criteria for past-30 day (P30D) OM. Over 27.1% of those who met criteria for past-30 day OM lived in a two-parent household while 21.3% of those who were non-past-30 day users lived in two-parent households. Contrary to our hypothesis, JIC who lived in grandparent-only households were 28% as likely to report P30D OM as those who lived in single-parent households. Those who lived in two-parent households were 16% as likely to meet criteria for P30D OM as those in single-parent households. These relationships varied by age. Conclusion: Two-parent and grandparent-only households maybe associated with increased access to opioids compared to other family structures with fewer adults. The risk of increased access may be more harmful than the strain of a single-parent household. Disposal of prescription medication initiatives should target households with multiple adults and grandparents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To implement and evaluate an integrated Spanish-language program to improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and strengthen family function among Mexican-heritage (MH) families. We describe research (stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial [SWCRCT] of father-focused, family-centered program), education (experiential learning and innovative teaching), and extension (promotora-led charlas [chats/talks]) components. The SWCRCT consists of clusters of 10-15 families receiving six in-person group sessions (three focused on father-child pairs) and at-home activities. Session include food tastings, interactive lessons, active games, hands-on food preparation, time to eat together, and goal setting. The promotora interventionists were trained using the train-the-trainer approach to gain knowledge and skills related to nutrition and food preparation, physical activity, family functioning, and motivational interviewing. The program actively involved undergraduate and graduate students from Texas A&M University, Baylor University, and Texas State University in experiential training that included material development, participant observation of promotora trainings (cooking and experiential nutrition and physical activity) and family pretesting, and motivational interviewing. Program activities and learnings were included in undergraduate and graduate courses (research methods and evaluation). In the charla program, team promotoras conducted a series of five community-based programs and activities that delivered science-based knowledge and informal educational programs to empower Mexican-heritage children and families to make sustainable healthy decisions. More than 400 participants attended charlas, which took place in community centers, churches, community organizations, and colonia neighborhoods. Data were collected for training, recruitment, process (observations and checklists), and outcome (pre- and post-program surveys, seven-day accelerometer, Veggie Meter®, and interviews/focus groups. Surveys and reflection papers from students were used. Post-charla surveys, debriefs, and a follow-up ripple effect survey (sharing of session materials) was done. This integrated family program enhances the capacity of families, students, promotoras, and community members to incorporate education and skill-building into healthier behaviors. The SWCRCT is a game changer by engaging Mexican-heritage fathers, co-parenting couples, and children and addresses a lacuna in obesity prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]