The Effectiveness of Blended Forensic Ambulant Systemic Therapy

Launched by UTRECHT UNIVERSITY · Nov 1, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new type of therapy called blended Forensic Ambulant Systemic Therapy (FASTb) to see if it works as well as the regular version (FASTr) for young people with conduct disorder, antisocial behavior, or other behavioral issues. The goal is to find effective treatment options for juveniles aged 12 to 21 who are facing challenges in their lives due to these behaviors, particularly if they have problems at home, school, or in their free time.

To participate, young people need to have a certain level of intelligence or skills, show concerning behaviors in at least two areas of their lives, and have a medium to high risk of repeating negative behaviors. They also need to have a caregiver who can support their treatment. Participants will work with therapists using both in-person and online methods, making it easier to receive help. It's important to note that those with severe psychiatric issues or substance abuse problems won't be eligible for this study. If you think your child might qualify, it could be a great opportunity for them to get the support they need.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Every juvenile and caregiver who meets the FAST inclusion criteria is considered for the study. FAST therapists determine whether clients meet the inclusion criteria during the standard FAST intake procedure. The inclusion criteria are:
• • 1. Juvenile has an estimated IQ-score of 80 or higher and/or sufficient adaptive skills to benefit from the intervention. The estimated IQ-score is measured using the Screener voor intelligentie en licht verstandelijke beperking (SCIL). The score on the SCIL determiners whether an IQ-test and/or a measurement of adaptive skills using the ADAPT is necessary;
• • 2. Juvenile is aged 12-21 years old at intervention start;
• • 3. Juvenile exhibits externalizing behavior that results in problems in at least two areas of life (family, school, leisure time), determined by referrer information and/or intake;
• • 4. Juvenile has a medium to high recidivism risk, measured by the Risicotaxatie-instrument voor de Ambulante Forensische GGZ Jeugd (RAF GGZ Jeugd) and/or the Landelijk Instrumentarium Jeugdstrafrechtketen (LIJ);
• • 5. Presence of juvenile-caregiver relationship problems, as measured by the RAF GGZ Jeugd;
• • 6. Juvenile has a diagnosis of a DSM-5 behavioral disorder, which is determined using case file analysis or a new diagnostic process;
• • 7. Caregiver(s) and juvenile cannot be motivated to follow treatment at the outpatient clinic;
• • 8. Juvenile and caregiver(s) have sufficient Dutch language skills, as estimated by the FAST therapist team;
• • 9. Treatment can be offered in either a voluntary or mandatory framework;
• • 10. Juvenile resides with their caregiver(s) or is expected to return to residing with caregiver(s) within the first two months of intervention.
• A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
• 1. Clients meet the FAST exclusion criteria, which are:
• • 1. Juvenile exhibits severe psychiatric symptoms requiring admission;
• • 2. Problem behavior of the juvenile is caused by primary substance abuse problems;
• • 3. Caregiver(s) refuse structurally to participate in treatment
• • 4. The safety of the therapist or family members cannot be guaranteed sufficiently;
• • 2. Clients do not have an electronic device or suitable internet connection to receive blended care;
• • 3. Clients have insufficient digital literacy to receive blended care;
• • 4. Families need a translator to receive the intervention.