The Outcome Evaluation of Functional Family Therapy

• In Event: Engaging the Family in Treatment

Abstract

In this paper we present the results of the outcome evaluation of Functional Family Therapy (FFT), an intervention for delinquent youth and their families as implemented in New Jersey. FFT is a short term intervention that usually lasts 3 months and includes 3 stages: motivation and engagement, behavioral change and generalization. Prior research suggests that FFT is an effective intervention for minor as well as serious delinquents, and their parents. The main goal of the intervention is improving intra-family dynamics, reducing anger and delinquent behavior.
In our study we evaluate the outcomes of Family Court-involved youth who were enrolled in FFT versus youth who received traditional interventions: individual therapy or mentoring. The study comprises of 70 youth in the experimental group and 40 youth in the comparison group. In our analysis the outcome variable is a new charge and appearance in the Family Court after participating in FFT. The independent variables include: age, gender, race, ethnicity, type of delinquent act, duration of FFT, therapists’ assessment and the changes on the Strengths and Needs Assessment. The results carry important policy implications.

Authors

• Katarzyna Celinska, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Chunrye Kim, CUNY Graduate Center / John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Margret Valdimarsdottir, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY