NCJ Number
171435
Date Published
1998
Length
293 pages
Annotation
This volume presents theory, research findings, and practical guidelines for the use of multisystemic treatment for youths with serious antisocial behavior; this family-based and community-based approach focuses on changing the known determinants of behavior problems in the natural settings where children and families live.
Abstract
The text emphasizes that this approach provides a method of preventing out-of-home placement for the youths with the most serious and persistent antisocial behaviors. The text presents a framework, assessment and intervention guidelines, recommendations for enhancing treatment effectiveness in various settings, and case examples. The discussion notes that multisystemic treatment focuses on addressing the known determinants of antisocial behavior within the young person's family, peer, and school networks. Nine core principles provide a framework for the book's team-based intervention approach. Additional sections explain the assessment process and the techniques for targeting areas such as promoting family strengths and resiliencies, removing youths from antisocial peer groups, improving academic and social competence at school, and developing social support systems. Further sections discuss when and how to conduct individually oriented interventions with parents and youth, findings from controlled evaluations of multisystemic treatment, and the training and policy implications of the effectiveness of this approach. Figures, tables, index, and approximately 200 references