The FFT-G Intervention

• In Event: Functional Family Therapy for Gang Populations (FFT-G): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

FFT is a brief and widely disseminated evidence-based treatment for youth presenting with problem behaviors including delinquency and drug and alcohol abuse. FFT has been implemented by professionals with diverse backgrounds and training and its effectiveness has been replicated across sites and settings. Moreover, evidence has been found for the preventive effects of FFT for siblings of problem youth and for the long term effectiveness of the intervention. In a number of current FFT sites therapists encounter youth who are gang-involved or deemed to be at risk for gang involvement. However no study to date has focused specifically on the effectiveness of FFT for this important population. Based on data on risk factors for gang membership and gang processes, FFT, Inc. modified the FFT manual and training materials to directly address issues that are likely to be more salient in a gang population than in a general delinquent population. This modified version of FFT (FFT-G) is the focus of the current study. This presentation describes the FFT-G intervention and why is suitable for gang populations. It explains how the FFT-G model was adapted for this study, and it describes the local agencies and therapists providing the treatment services, and the training and supervision of the therapists.

Authors

• Michael S. Robbins, FFT, LLC

• Helen M. Midouhas, FFT, LLC