NCJ Number
199820
Date Published
2001
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the empirical rational for the application of multisystemic therapy (MST), as well as the features of MST that make it well-suited for treating juveniles who have committed sexual offenses.
Abstract
Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an ecologically-based treatment model that has proven effective with violent and chronic juvenile offenders and a promising treatment for juvenile sex offenders. In this paper empirical underpinnings for the application of MST are presented. The paper begins with a brief review of empirical findings regarding the correlates of sexual offending in juveniles. This is followed by a description of the theoretical foundation of MST and a description of clinical features and guiding principles of MSR interventions. Demonstrating the efficacy of MST with juvenile sex offenders, findings are summarized from randomized clinical trials. Lastly, important aspects of MST are discussed contributing to its success and distinguishing MST from other available treatments and service programs for juvenile sex offenders. The effectiveness of MST in reducing criminality in juvenile sex offenders has important implications to help guide the development of potentially more effective interventions for these youths-at-risk. This work indicates that a comprehensive intervention addressing the multiple determinants of antisocial behavior in youths’ natural occurring systems can successfully reduce criminal activity and incarceration in juvenile sex offenders. References