Effects of multidimensional treatment foster care (MTFC): Results from a RCT study in Sweden

In English This study examines 24-month post-baseline outcomes for a RCT study of Swedish antisocial youths who received either treatment in multidimensional treatment foster care (MTFC) or treatment as usual (TAU). MTFC, a community-based treatment program, has successfully treated chronic juvenile offenders in the USA This study is the second randomized control study in Sweden that includes MTFC. Compared to the first Swedish MTFC study, this study's breakdown rate was low (15%). In Sweden, MTFC has lower breakdown frequencies compared to traditional out-of-home care. The youths (n = 46) showed a significant reduction in symptoms, but no group differences were apparent. However, when clinical change was analyzed, the MTFC had significant better reduction during the treatment period. The take away message is that both MTFC and TAU are good at lowering psychiatric symptoms. However, MTFC has low breakdown rates and better reduction in clinical change, which makes MTFC an interesting alternative treatment for antisocial youths. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.