Multisystemic Therapy for high-risk young offenders: An exploration of school outcomes
Abstract (summary)
This study assessed the effectiveness of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) on school outcomes. Fifty-eight youthful offenders aged 12–16 and their families were randomly assigned to receive either MST or usual services (US) in the community. Participants completed questionnaires to evaluate the family-school link and the youth's affinity for school. In addition, school attendance data was gathered to assess whether participants in the MST treatment group had better school outcomes than those in the US group.
Results are mixed. Contrary to hypotheses, MST families did not espouse a significantly greater family-school link than US families, nor did MST youth have a significantly greater affinity for school than US youth. Ultimately, however, MST youth were found to be significantly more likely to stay in school throughout the intervention period and be in a community school placement at post-treatment. Strengths and limitations of this design are discussed as well as implications for MST and suggestions for future research.
Indexing (details)
Criminology;
Clinical psychology
0627: Criminology