Balancing costs and effects of Multi Systemic Therapy compared to Care-As-Usual in adolescents with antisocial behaviour: a methodological exploration.

Summary:

Multisystemic Therapy (MST), is an intensive, short-term, family- and community-based treatment for serious antisocial behavior and delinquency in youth. Although MST is emerging as a promising intervention for serious juvenile delinquents, conclusive evidence on the effectiveness is limited. Also knowledge on the cost-effectiveness of MST in comparison with other treatments for serious antisocial and delinquent behaviour is scarce and even non-existent for the Netherlands. The aim of this project is to assess the balance between costs and effects of MST as compared to Car-As-Usual provided to a control group. Because there is hardly any experience in applying cost-effectiveness studies in the child and youth care practice, our second aim is to develop a framework for economic evaluation in this field. The results of this study will aid policy makers, health care authorities as well as judicial authorities, to set priorities and decide on implementation.