Family Centered Treatment for Behavioral Problems
(2018-0568 Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+1 other location

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Duke University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Does Family Centered Treatment (FCT) result in better youth, family, and cost outcomes, as compared to a Level II or Level III out-of-home placement (OHP)? The investigators test the hypotheses that among children/youth authorized to a Level II or Level III out-of-home placement, relative to youth who receive such a placement, those who receive FCT will have: * Better: family functioning and mental/behavioral health outcomes (youth and caregiver). * Lower probability of: being subject of a child protective services report, entering (or re-entering) foster care, being arrested, being retained in grade, being chronically absent (missing \>15 days), dropping out of high school, or receiving an out-of-home placement. * Lower cost of care.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for children and youth in North Carolina who have behavioral or mental health issues and are authorized for out-of-home placement. They must have a caregiver and home environment suitable for Family Centered Treatment (FCT) but can't participate if they have developmental delays, current safety concerns at home, or are already receiving in-home mental health services from an FCT provider.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a youth with a supportive caregiver and a stable home.

Participant has been authorized for a level II or level III Out of Home Placement by North Carolina (NC) Division of Medical Assistance

Youth must live within a county in NC where FCT service providers implement FCT.

Exclusion Criteria

I do not have developmental delays or cognitive impairments.

if a youth is currently working with an in-home mental health service provider when the authorization for a Level II or Level III OHP is submitted, that provider cannot be a FCT provider for inclusion into the study

Youth for whom the MCO knows that there are current safety concerns which makes them unable to remain in the home with their parent/guardian

Participant Groups

The study compares the effectiveness of Family Centered Treatment (FCT) with Level II or III Out-of-Home Placements (OHP). It aims to see if FCT leads to better family functioning, fewer legal issues, less school absenteeism, lower chances of foster care entry, and reduced costs compared to OHP.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Treatment: Family Centered TreatmentExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Family is offered choice of FCT or Level III out-of-home placement

Group II: Control: Level III Out of Home PlacementActive Control1 Intervention

Family is offered Level III out-of-home placement