Citation

Satodiya R, Bied A, Shah K, Parikh T, Ash P. J. Am. Acad. Psychiatry Law 2024; 52(1): 51-60.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law, Publisher American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law)

DOI

10.29158/JAAPL.230117-23

PMID

38467440

Abstract

Multisystemic therapy (MST) is an intense, family-focused, community-based treatment designed for youth with criminal behaviors. Literature on its usefulness among juvenile sexual offenders (JSOs) remains limited. We conducted a systematic review of published studies assessing effectiveness of MST among JSOs. A comprehensive search of published studies, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, was undertaken using multiple databases. Search terms included "multisystemic therapy" or "multisystemic family therapy." A total of 542 articles were obtained on initial search. After excluding duplicates, 297 articles were included in further analysis that yielded 48 articles for full-text analysis. Six randomized controlled trials of MST, comprising 231 juvenile sex-offenders, were assessed for final review. MST performed favorably relative to alternative treatments among juvenile sex offenders while also demonstrating lasting treatment effect on sustained follow-up.

Language: en

Keywords

*Criminals; *Juvenile Delinquency; *Sex Offenses/prevention & control; Adolescent; Family Therapy; Humans; juvenile; juvenile sex offenders; multisystemic family therapy; multisystemic therapy; Psychotherapy; sex offenders; Sexual Behavior