RAP-P for Parents
RAP-P (Resourceful Adolescent Program – Parent Version) is an evidence-based program that helps parents strengthen family relationships, support their adolescent's wellbeing and create positive family environments that promote healthy adolescent development.
Developed to address the important role family relationships play in adolescent mental health, RAP-P provides a practical, strengths-based approach that helps parents build confidence, strengthen communication and manage family challenges more effectively.
At a glance
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Audience
Parents and carers of adolesdcents
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Format
3 interactive parent sessions
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Duration
2.5-3 hours per session
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Focus
Family relationships, communication and resilience
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Facilitators
Teachers, counsellors and mental health professionals
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Evidence
Research-based and evidence informed
Family relationships play a critical role in adolescent mental health. Research shows that the quality of parent–adolescent relationships, along with the level of family conflict, are key predictors of depression in young people. Ongoing conflict, escalating tensions and over-controlling parenting can increase risk, while strong connections, warmth and support help protect against it.
RAP-P is a strengths-based program that builds confidence and resilience in both parents and their adolescents. It supports parents to better manage emotional reactions, strengthen communication, and respond effectively to the challenges of the teenage years.
RAP-P is delivered through three sessions, each running for two to three hours. It can also be offered as a full-day workshop or broken into shorter sessions across multiple workshops, providing flexibility to suit different groups and settings.
Implementing the program
Become a RAP-P facilitator
RAP-P is delivered by trained facilitators who create a safe, engaging and collaborative environment where parents can learn, reflect and build confidence.
To deliver RAP-P, facilitators complete specialised training that provides a deep understanding of the program content, facilitation approach and supporting resources. The training is designed to ensure facilitators feel confident and well-equipped to run the program within their organisation or community.
RAP-P training is suitable for a range of education and mental health professionals, including:
Psychologists/ Social workers / Occupational therapists / Psychiatrists / Mental Health Nurses
School counsellors/ Guidance officers/Chaplains
Teachers
Community workers
Training is delivered regularly online via Zoom and tailored training can also be arranged for organisations on request. See the Training section for upcoming courses and further details.
RAP-P training has been delivered across many regions, and where possible, training sessions are scheduled to suit different time zones. All training is currently delivered in English.
RAP-P is designed for parents and carers of adolescents and is particularly well suited to those supporting young people aged 12–14. The program has also been successfully delivered with parents of both younger and older adolescents.
For the best experience, a group size of 12 to 16 parents is recommended. This allows sufficient time to cover the program content while also creating a supportive environment where participants can connect, share experiences and learn from one another.
Group participants and size
Program resources
A range of resources are available to support the effective delivery of RAP-P and enhance the experience for both facilitators and parents.
Group Leader Manual
The RAP-P Group Leader Manual provides a structured guide for delivering the program. It outlines each session in detail, including key concepts, activities and practical interventions designed to help parents navigate the adolescent years with greater connection and reduced conflict.
Participant Workbook
This workbook supports parents throughout the program, with guided activities, reflections and key information. It serves as both an in-session tool and a valuable take-home resource. A workbook is provided for each participant.
Standalone Workbooks
A series of six workbooks designed for parents to complete independently at their own pace. These resources allow the program to be accessed outside of a group setting, with strong engagement and positive feedback from participants.
RAP-P is structured around three core themes; each designed to build on family strengths and enhance the protective factors that support adolescent wellbeing.
Program content
Parents Are People Too
This theme empowers parents to recognise the strengths they already bring to their role and the positive impact they have on their adolescent’s wellbeing. It supports parents to better understand and manage stress, helping them show up with confidence, consistency and care.What Makes Adolescents Tick
Parents gain insight into the changes and challenges of adolescence, building confidence in how they respond. The program supports parents to balance guidance with growing independence, strengthen connection, and actively support their adolescent’s self-esteem and sense of identity.Promoting Family Harmony
This theme focuses on building stronger, more positive family relationships. Parents develop the skills to navigate challenges constructively, reduce conflict, and create a more connected and supportive home environment.
RAP-P is delivered in a collaborative and engaging way, with facilitators working alongside parents rather than positioning themselves as experts. The program creates a safe, relatable space where parents can reflect, share experiences and build on what is already working.
At its core, RAP-P reinforces a simple but powerful idea: parents already have the foundations—they’re supported to build on them with confidence.
Sessions, key messages and aims in the Resourceful Adolescent Program (RAP-P)
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Key Message: Parents do a great job and deserve a pat on the back
Goals:Reflect on parenting successes and challenges
Build parental confidence and self-esteem
Understand the impact of stress on parenting
Develop practical strategies to manage stress
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Key Message: Parents are important in supporting teenage development
Goals:Explore key aspects of adolescence, including identity, self-esteem and independence
Identify ways to support and build adolescent self-esteem
Strengthen understanding of the balance between independence and connection
Support teenagers to navigate adolescence safely and positively
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Key Message: Positive family relationships increase self esteem and wellbeing for all
Goals:Identify and build on the ways we create harmony in our families.
Develop constructive ways to prevent and manage conflict
Strengthen positive communication and connection
Encourage support networks and a positive outlook for the future