MST | Program goals

MST | Program goals

The goals of Multisystemic Therapy are to keep hard-core juvenile offenders age 12 to 17 in their homes and out of out-of-home placement such as foster care or group homes. Youth criteria for inclusion and exclusion from the program are specific.

Inclusionary criteria

At risk for placement due to anti-social or delinquent behavior, including substance abuse.

Involved with the juvenile justice system.

Have committed sexual offenses in conjunction with other antisocial willful behavior.

Exclusionary criteria

Living independently.

Sex offending in the absence of other antisocial behavior.

Have level 2 or 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Actively homicidal, suicidal or psychotic.

Psychiatric problems are the primary reason leading to referral.

Source: Center for Innovative Practices at the Begun Center for Violence Prevention Research and Education at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland.