The Effectiveness of Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy: a Multiple Case Experimental Design

Launched by UTRECHT UNIVERSITY · Sep 4, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new type of therapy called Forensic Outpatient Systemic Therapy (FAST) to see how effective it is for young people dealing with issues like conduct disorder, aggression, and other behavioral problems. The researchers want to understand not just if the therapy works, but also how it helps the participants. They are currently recruiting young people aged 12 to 21 who have been struggling with these behaviors in their family, school, or social life, and who also have a medium to high risk of getting into more trouble.

To be part of the study, the young person needs to have a diagnosed behavioral disorder and some challenges in their relationships with their caregivers. It's important that they can benefit from the therapy and that their home environment is safe. Participants will receive therapy aimed at improving their behavior and relationships, and the study will closely monitor their progress. If you think a young person you know might qualify, it’s worth discussing with a therapist or healthcare provider for more details.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• FAST therapists determine whether clients meet inclusion and exclusion criteria of FAST during the standard intake procedure of FAST. The FAST inclusion criteria are:
• • 1. Juvenile has an estimated IQ-score of 80 or higher and/or sufficient adaptive skills to benefit from FAST;
• • 2. Juvenile is aged 12 to 21 years old at the start of the intervention;
• • 3. Juvenile exhibits externalizing behavior resulting in problems in at least two life areas (family, school, or leisure time), determined by clinical impressions based on information from intake and/or referrer information;
• • 4. Juvenile has a medium to high recidivism risk, measured by the Risk Assessment Instrument for Outpatient Forensic Mental Health Care Youth (RAF GGZ Youth);
• • 5. Presence of juvenile-caregiver relationship problems, measured by the RAF GGZ Youth;
• • 6. Juvenile has a diagnosis of a DSM-5 behavioral disorder, which is determined using a new diagnostic process or case file analysis;
• • 7. Juvenile and caregiver(s) cannot be motivated to follow treatment at the treatment site after multiple attempts by the therapist;
• • 8. Juvenile resides with their caregiver(s) or is expected to return to residing with their caregiver(s) within the first two months of FAST.
• The FAST exclusion criteria are:
• • 1. Juvenile exhibits severe psychiatric symptoms requiring admission;
• • 2. Problem behavior of the juvenile is caused primarily by substance abuse problems and it is expected that treatment of the substance abuse problems will decrease the problem behavior;
• • 3. The safety of the family members or therapist cannot be sufficiently guaranteed.
• • To be eligible for participation in this study, one modified study inclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile has primary aggression and/or anger problems (approximately 80% of referred juveniles). In addition, one study exclusion criterium applies, i.e., the juvenile is in secure residential care or confined in a correctional or detention facility at start of the intervention.