Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe the adaptation and programme development of the Strengthening Families Programme to a Swedish setting. Design/methodology/approach: A descriptive approach was employed with a focus on the cultural adaptation and programme development. This included meetings with two reference groups, a telephone interview with parents, translation of materials and production of videos and manuals. A pilot study was conducted which included course evaluations by students and parents, meetings with teachers and group leaders and a focus group interview with parents. Findings: The programme format was altered in the Swedish version so that the youth sessions were held earlier during the day and the parent sessions later in the evening. Instead of having one family session at every meeting, the Swedish version included two family sessions in all. In the Swedish version, the booster sessions were incorporated as a regular part of the programme. In addition, more emphasis on alcohol and other drugs was added as well as an extra session. Following the evaluation of the pilot study, the materials were revised, with the inclusion of a "milder" vocabulary concerning disciplinary matters. Practical implications: It seems to be possible to disseminate the core elements in family programmes between different cultures, especially if care is taken to make adjustments to local conditions. Originality/value: This paper makes a contribution to the research on how to culturally adapt prevention programmes. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)