This paper describes the theoretical and empirical foundations of Familias Unidas, a multilevel,
family-centered intervention designed to prevent problem behavior in Hispanic adolescents.
The main theoretical tenets for the intervention model; an ecological–developmental perspective,
the centrality of ethnic and cultural themes, application of empowerment principles, and
a family focus are reviewed. The literature on the risk and protective factors that provided the
justification for the intervention’s targeted mediators and the core clinical applications that
are intended to alter them are discussed. Familias Unidas engages Hispanic immigrant parents
into an empowerment process in which they first build a strong parent-support network
and then use the network to increase knowledge of culturally relevant parenting, strengthen
parenting skills, and then apply these new skills in a series of activities designed to reduce
risks frequently found in poor, urban environments. The available evidence supporting the
efficacy of Familias Unidas is summarized, as are future goals and a current, second-generation
application of the intervention.