Over the last 15 years, parent education programs have emerged that teach parents what they need to know and do in order to put their children at a psychosocial advantage in society. The Culturally Adapted Parent Training Project, initiated by the Center for the Improvement of Child Caring, was developed to adapt existing programs to meet the needs of low income black families. The project began by assessing parenting textbooks in terms of appropriateness for black parenting issues. This assessment was substantiated by data from parent interviews. The first adaptation created a rationale for participation by black parents in the parenting program, including the Pyramid of Success, which identified five life goals for black children: (1) loving relationships, (2) good jobs, (3) good education, (4) helping the black community, and (5) resisting the pressure of the street. The second adaptation related skills taught to parents to help them advance their children towards life goals. The National Institute of Drug Abuse has supported these efforts by funding a 3-year research grant to test the effectiveness of the adapted program. It is hoped that these types of activities will help to raise the consciousness of black parents, empower them by providing them with skills and information on parenting, and outline the goals and commitments necessary to strengthen black families. (HOD)