A Randomized Evaluation of Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care: Effects on School Attendance and Homework Completion in Juvenile Justice Girls

Abstract

Despite growing evidence that child welfare youth are at increased risk for juvenile delinquency, little is known about gender-specific processes and effective treatment programs for girls. Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care (MTFC), an empirically validated intervention for child welfare and juvenile justice populations, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing arrest rates in delinquent boys and girls. In this study, the efficacy of MTFC on school attendance and homework completion was examined in juvenile justice girls who were referred to out-of-home care (N = 81). Results from this randomized intervention trial suggest that MTFC was more effective than group care in increasing girls' school attendance and homework completion while in treatment and at 12 months postbaseline. In addition, the previously reported effect of MTFC on reducing girls' days in locked settings was mediated by homework completion while girls were enrolled in the intervention setting. Implications for policy and practice are described.Keywords juvenile justice; female; school engagement; delinquency Children who have experienced abusive or neglectful parenting (or both) are at risk for increased delinquency, cognitive delays, and numerous other poor outcomes

Multidimensional treatment foster care for girls in the juvenile justice system: 2-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

“…Findings showed that effects found at 1 year (Leve et al, 2005) were maintained at the 2-year assessment with a slightly larger effect size, and that trajectories of reductions across the course of the study were significantly larger for MTFC. Age predicted delinquency outcomes as well, with younger girls showing more vulnerability than older girls.…”

“…In comparison, 93% of girls aged 13-19 living in the region were Caucasian (U.S. Department of Commerce, 1992). Additional demographic information is in Leve et al (2005). There were no group differences on the rates or types of pre-baseline offenses or on other demographic characteristics.…”

“…At 1-year assessments, girls in MTFC had a significantly greater reduction in days in locked settings and caregiver-reported delinquency than girls in GC (Leve, Chamberlain, & Reid, 2005). Therefore, follow-up efficacy models are evaluated here with directional hypotheses (Aron & Aron, 1994).…”

Childhood Instability and Girls’ Delinquency: Role of Changes in Schools, Homes, and Caregivers

“…Silverthorn and Frick (1999) theorized such socialization may include both parental and school-based manifestations and may discourage external expression of girls' antisocial behavior. In a randomized evaluation of an alternative juvenile justice program, Leve and Chamberlain (2007) found girls' participation in homework to play a predictive role in outcomes for girls in the justice system; these authors note similar findings by Fergusson and associates (Fergusson, Swain-Campbell, & Horwood, 2002) and note that engagement in school may help deter delinquency among girls.…”

Family Care Treatment for dispersed populations of children with behavioral challenges: The design, implementation, and initial outcomes of an evidence-informed treatment

“…At 1-year follow-up MTFC youth had spent 60% fewer days in lock-up than control youth in group-care (Chamberlain & Mihalic, 1998). And MTFC is positively correlated with better school attendance, improved homework completion, and less time spent in restrictive settings (Chamberlain & Mihalic, 1998;Leve & Chamberlain, 2007).…”