What is Building Blocks for a Healthy Future?
Building Blocks is a program created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP). Its goals are to: • Educate parents and caregivers about the basics of risk and protective factors. • Assist parents and caregivers with ways to reduce risk factors. • Reinforce skills that will enable caregivers to better nurture and protect their children in order to reduce substance abuse and to promote healthy lifestyles. Building Blocks provides the developmentally appropriate tools parents and caregivers need to help young children: • Express their feelings and thoughts through good communication. • Form healthy, lifelong habits and positive attitudes. • Learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy activities. • Practice making decisions, gain confidence, and improve self-esteem.
