Child and case influences on recidivism in a statewide dissemination of Multisystemic Therapy for juvenile offenders.

ABSTRACT

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidence-based treatment for high-risk youth and their families shown to reduce subsequent delinquent activity. This study investigated (1) re-arrest rates of a statewide MST dissemination; and (2) the relation of child, family, and case characteristics to re-arrest rates following receipt of MST. Analyses examined outcomes for 633 youth following referral to MST. Separate models examined predictors of general re-arrest of any type and of more serious misdemeanor or felony arrests. Sixty-five percent of youth experienced a new arrest of any type within 12-months of MST initiation; fewer (53%) experienced a misdemeanor or felony charge in that timeframe. Recipients who were younger, had an externalizing behavior disorder, and had a greater number and severity of pre-MST charges were more likely to recidivate. Findings highlight potential child and case factors that may account for variability in treatment effects when MST is implemented broadly within a system.