Home-based behavioral-systems family therapy with disadvantaged juvenile delinquents

Abstract A replication of Alexander's behavioral-systems family therapy model was attempted for lower socioeconomic status juvenile offenders, most of whom had multiple offenses, including misdemeanors and felonies. Twenty-seven male and female delinquents who had either recently been placed out of the home or for whom placement was imminent were court referred to in-home time-unlimited family therapy (mean sessions=16). A comparison group of 27 lower risk delinquents received only probation. Outcome was measured by the number and severity of offenses during a 2½-year period following group assignment. The delinquents receiving the family therapy had a recidivism rate of 11% vs. 67% for the comparison group. Sex differences are presented, as well as differences between Alexander's studies and the present one which may account for the improved outcomes with more difficult families.