Multisystemic Treatment of High-Risk Juvenile Offenders

Abstract
A multisystemic treatment program was implemented for eight high-risk juvenile first offenders. Clients had a mean age of 13 years, and included 6 black males, 1 white male, and 1 black female. Research questions were tested in regard to measures of delinquency, family functioning, life skills development, self-esteem, school functioning, delinquent peer group associations, and attitudes toward parenting and child rearing. Treatment included: (1) Case Management; (2) Educational Programs; (3) Family Therapy; (4) Nurturing Program. Results showed significant improvements for adolescents with measures of family relations, life skills, school, delinquency, peers, and for parents in terms of family and parent-child relations.