The Brain and Trauma Foundation Graubünden has significantly advanced the FOKUSS program (Family-Oriented Competence and Self-Efficacy Strengthening) during an intensive retreat, with the aim of reaching more families with children affected by ADHD throughout Switzerland. The core of the differentiation lies in 110 scientifically validated parenting modules, systematically developed and structured within a modular curriculum. Each module is prepared in detail for the course leader’s manual and simultaneously presented in a parent-friendly version in the participant’s manual. This dual approach enables professionals to respond flexibly to individual family situations, while parents receive clear, practice-oriented guidance.
The group sessions at the start of the program have been fundamentally revised and enriched with multimedia elements. For each thematic block, professional short videos are being created to make complex neurobiological aspects of ADHD visually understandable. The exemplary implementation on the topic “Neurobiology of ADHD” already demonstrates impressively how scientific findings can be translated into practical, everyday information. These videos serve both as an introduction to group sessions and as a reference for parents at home.
The scientific support has been intensified and professionalized on multiple levels. The completed ethics application ensures the highest standards of research ethics and data security. Evaluation is carried out using standardized questionnaires at several measurement points to precisely capture changes within the family system. A particularly innovative element is the newly developed tracking app, which continuously accompanies families throughout the program.
This app enables weekly brief assessments through multiple-choice questions and sliders to easily document ADHD core symptoms, everyday functioning, and family stress. The collected data flows directly into the scientific evaluation and, at the same time, enables the support team to identify critical developments at an early stage. The dashboard visualizes progress data, thus supporting the evidence-based adaptation of interventions.
Scaling
For scaling, strategic partnerships have been established with institutions from science, politics, and society. Universities and teacher training colleges support the scientific foundation and evaluation. Publishers are preparing the publication of the manuals, while foundations are securing the financial basis for the nationwide rollout. The digital infrastructure makes it possible to offer the program even in rural regions and to overcome language barriers through translations.
Looking ahead: Targeted Support
The modular structure with 110 modules allows for flexible adaptation to different family situations and children’s developmental stages. Professionals can draw from this rich repertoire to create tailor-made intervention plans. The combination of group dynamics and individual counseling has proven particularly effective. While integration into school settings is still under development, FOKUSS already shows the potential to become the national standard for evidence-based parental support in ADHD