Why is FFT an Effective Intervention for Youth and Families?
High Completion Rates:
We get youth and families in! One of the biggest risk factors for treatment is an early dropout. FFT clinicians work relentlessly to engage youth and families through extensive outreach. This relentless effort results in high completion rates compared to treatment as usual at 70% or higher for new teams of FFT clinicians and 80% and higher for existing ones.
Brief Yet Intensive
We are a brief yet intensive intervention. We can deliver a quality model within a 3-5 month time frame across 12-16 weekly sessions for average cases, with more sessions for intense cases. Frequency and duration are matched to youth and family needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. We also deliver the service to the family, where and when it is convenient for them.
Long-Term Positive Outcomes
We address referral behaviors through a targeted behavior change that leads to positive outcomes long after the youth and family complete FFT. These include reductions in recidivism rates, avoidance of outplacement, improved family relationships evidenced by better communication, reduced conflict, and a sense of family belonging. In addition, youth who complete FFT treatment are more likely to avoid future outplacement, such as that in the adult criminal justice system.
Systematic Approach
We provide a co-joint family therapy all the way through. This approach means we treat the whole system, not parts of the system. Treating only one part of the system creates a narrow
problem focus. Focusing on the system allows for more solution avenues. To achieve this, FFT clinicians hone a relational skill set and develop a lens for how we understand behaviors and what motivates people to change.
Phasic Change
We break our intervention into phases (5) that anchor the FFT clinician in a change process that utilizes different strategies based on timing. Each phase has specific assessment foci,
intervention goals, strategies, and techniques. Interventions start with creating a motivational context for change and build to changing individual behaviors and family interaction patterns.
Why is FFT an Effective Intervention for Youth and Families?
Versatile Treatment
We thrive within versatility. FFT works with youth and families from various systems (juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health, school) as both a prevention and intervention approach while achieving consistent outcomes across these systems. The common thread in all these systems is the attention to youth risk and protective factors supported by a model that creates lasting change.
Treatment Outcomes
Studies show that of youth who participated in FFT treatment:
%
have no new offenses 18 months post-referral (1)
%
have no drug charges 18 months post-referral (1)
%